A Newcastle star was left blushing after shanking his tee shot into the foliage on his local golf course.
Golf is one of the treasured hobbies among footballers to escape the pressures of their careers and English stars such as Harry Kane and Aaron Ramsdale love getting out on the green.
Former England goalkeeper Ben Foster has almost 85,000 people who follow his golf updates on YouTube such is the demand for content.
But Dan Burn will be hoping Newcastle fans and Eddie Howe give him a reprieve after he sent a stray shot flying into the bushes at Blyth Golf Course.
The 33-year-old was filmed from the bedroom window of a nearby house taking his frightful swing and then reacting with incredulity when he saw where it ended up.
After taking a practice swing, Burn composed himself and took a final look at his target, but ended up mishitting the ball to the right, before comically holding his pose as he watched it sink into the greenery.
On that evidence, he isn’t likely to be on set pieces this season – though after his expert header against Liverpool in last season’s Carabao Cup final, fans know he is more dangerous in the box from dead ball situations anyway.
Fortunately the defender had time to make amends as Blyth offers an 18-hole course for its frequenters to enjoy.
‘Love the way he held his position trying to style it out,’ said one fan on X.
‘He’s nearly hit the cars lol,’ said another.
‘Surely he needs bigger clubs,’ one supporter pointed out, with many noticing how far 6ft 7in Burn had to stoop to hit the ball.
‘Been taking lessons off Peter Crouch,’ joked another.
‘Too big to play golf him,’ one added.
In any case, Burn can rest assured that his golfing antics won’t affect his status on Tyneside.
The much-loved defender signed a contract extension in May – as exclusively forecasted by Daily Mail Sport – to tie him down until 2027.
He said: ‘I still feel like I’m getting better and I don’t feel that I’ve hit the top of the hill yet. It’ll be tough to top this season but hopefully we can do that over the next couple of years.
‘It’s a dream come true to be playing for this club and I’m delighted that I get to keep doing it.’
Newcastle United head coach Howe, added: ‘Dan has had an incredible season. He has been a key part of our most memorable moments and has rightly been rewarded with senior international football.
‘He is a leader who epitomises the attitude and commitment we want, and I’m delighted he’ll be staying with us for even longer.’
