The 90-Foot Disaster: How Esther Henseleit's US Women's Open Eagle Putt Became A Viral Double Bogey
The US Women's Open is renowned for its brutal tests of skill, and no moment encapsulates that challenge quite like the now-infamous putt by Esther Henseleit. On a recent Saturday afternoon, , the German professional golfer found herself in a position to make a massive move up the leaderboard, having driven the short, daunting par-4 15th green at Erin Hills. What followed, however, was a shocking sequence that turned a potential eagle into a disastrous double bogey, highlighting the razor-thin margins in major championship golf.
This single, aggressive stroke—an eagle putt that rolled an unbelievable 90 feet past the hole and into the rough—has become a viral moment, a stark reminder that even the world's best can be humbled by the treacherous green complexes of the US Women's Open. Her 'all-or-nothing' approach on that hole ultimately cost her dearly, but it also cemented her reputation as a fearless competitor willing to take risks.
Esther Henseleit: A Rising German Golf Star
Esther Henseleit has quickly established herself as one of the most exciting young talents in women's professional golf. Born on January 14, 1999, in Varel, Germany, she has brought a dynamic and aggressive style to both the Ladies European Tour (LET) and the LPGA Tour.
- Full Name: Esther Henseleit
- Date of Birth: January 14, 1999
- Place of Birth: Varel, Germany
- Nationality: German
- Professional Debut: 2019
- Tours: LPGA Tour, Ladies European Tour (LET)
- Notable Wins: 2019 Magical Kenya Ladies Open (LET)
- Major Career Highlight: Winning the LET Order of Merit and Rookie of the Year in 2019.
- Olympic Success: Silver medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics (Women's Golf).
- Career Earnings: Over $2 million (as of recent reports).
- Recent US Women's Open Finish: T22 at Erin Hills (+2) in 2025.
Since turning professional, Henseleit has showcased remarkable consistency and a flair for the dramatic. Her early career success on the LET, culminating in the 2019 Order of Merit title, quickly earned her a spot on the highly competitive LPGA Tour. Her game is built on powerful driving and an aggressive mindset, which, while often rewarding, occasionally leads to high-risk, high-reward scenarios—as the US Women's Open putt demonstrated.
The Unforgettable Par-4 15th: A US Women's Open Putting Nightmare
The 79th US Women's Open at Erin Hills was a masterclass in challenging course setup, and the short par-4 15th hole became the epicenter of drama. Measuring around 260 yards, the hole is drivable for many players, but its massive, severely undulating green is protected by treacherous run-off areas and deep bunkers. It’s a classic risk-reward hole designed to tempt and punish.
Esther Henseleit, known for her length off the tee, successfully drove the green on Saturday's round, setting herself up for a rare eagle opportunity. This was the moment the tournament could have swung in her favor, a chance to jump six shots closer to the lead and put pressure on the leaders.
The Putt That Kept Rolling
The ball landed safely on the green, but the pin position was difficult, leaving Henseleit with a long, downhill, and severely breaking eagle putt—estimated at around 55 feet. The green speed at Erin Hills, combined with the slope, demanded a delicate touch, but Henseleit opted for an aggressive, all-or-nothing stroke, determined to get the ball to the hole.
The result was catastrophic. The ball sailed past the hole, picking up speed on the slick green. It continued to roll, over the fringe, and didn't stop until it came to rest a staggering 90 feet beyond the pin, deep into the rough on the opposite side of the green.
From Eagle Chance to Double Bogey
The aftermath of the overhit putt was just as painful to watch. Now faced with a near-impossible chip from the thick rough, Henseleit could not save par. The sequence of shots—driving the green, the 90-foot overshoot, the subsequent chip, and the final putt—resulted in a double bogey six. This sudden, dramatic two-shot swing not only derailed her momentum but also showcased the brutal nature of the US Women's Open setup, where a single misjudgment can lead to a putting disaster.
Commentators and fans were stunned by the sheer distance the ball traveled, turning the moment into a viral talking point about the fine line between brilliance and folly in major championship golf. It served as a vivid example of how the challenge of the US Women's Open is often less about hitting fairways and more about mastering the speed and undulation of the greens.
Lessons in Aggression: The Aftermath and Future Outlook
The double bogey on the 15th hole was a significant setback, but Esther Henseleit's ability to recover is a testament to her mental fortitude. Despite the putting nightmare, she managed to maintain her composure through the rest of the tournament, ultimately finishing T22. This impressive finish, especially given the difficult conditions and the psychological blow of the 15th, demonstrates her resilience and high level of play.
The incident at Erin Hills offers a valuable lesson in course management, particularly on major championship greens. While her aggressive strategy of driving the par-4 was sound, the execution of the eagle putt lacked the necessary control for such a slick, downhill lie. It's a reminder that sometimes, a two-putt birdie is the smart play when facing a high-risk putt.
Topical Authority and Key Entities
Henseleit's career continues to be on an upward trajectory. Her consistent presence on the LPGA Tour and her recent T22 finish in the US Women's Open solidifies her status among the world's elite. Entities like the Rolex Rankings, KPMG Women's PGA Championship, and AIG Women's Open frequently feature her name, confirming her topical authority in professional golf. Her journey is a narrative of balancing her innate aggressive style with the calculated restraint required to win major championships.
Going forward, fans and analysts will be watching to see if Henseleit tempers her all-or-nothing approach on the greens, or if she continues to embrace the high-risk strategy that occasionally leads to dramatic moments like the 90-foot overshoot. Her determination to attack pins, even in the most challenging conditions, is what makes her one of the most exciting players to follow on the LPGA Tour and a strong contender for future major titles, including the Women's British Open and the Chevron Championship.
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