British Open 2025: Smylie Kaufman Caught Dropping F-Bomb on Hot Mic During Royal Portrush Broadcast

Royal Portrush, Northern Ireland — Smylie Kaufman became the center of unexpected controversy at the 2025 British Open after being caught on a hot mic uttering an expletive during live coverage of the championship’s second round.

The incident occurred Friday afternoon as Kaufman, a former PGA Tour professional turned analyst, was providing on-course commentary for the featured group on Sky Sports. During what appeared to be a private exchange off-air — but with his microphone still live — Kaufman was clearly heard dropping an F-bomb, leaving producers scrambling and prompting an on-air apology minutes later.

The audio clip quickly spread across social media, with many viewers expressing surprise at the language but also questioning how the broadcasting team allowed such a lapse in protocol to occur during a major championship.

Sky Sports, which has been covering the Open extensively throughout the week, issued a prompt statement: “We apologize for the inappropriate language heard during our live coverage today. It was unintended and we are reviewing procedures to ensure this does not happen again.”

Kaufman has yet to issue a public response, though sources close to the broadcast team suggested the remark was made out of frustration over a technical issue, not directed at a player or colleague.

Despite the awkward moment, the broadcast continued smoothly, and the focus soon shifted back to the intense on-course action. However, for Kaufman, the viral moment may linger longer than any highlight reel from Royal Portrush.

The 33-year-old, who transitioned into broadcasting after stepping away from competitive golf, has generally been well-received for his insightful analysis and laid-back demeanor. Still, this moment marks a rare misstep in what has been a steadily rising media career.

As the third round looms, all mics will likely be double-checked — and commentators reminded of the age-old broadcasting rule: assume you’re always live.

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