ORLANDO, Fla. — PGA Tour player Tripp Isenhour was charged with killing a hawk on purpose with a golf shot because it was making noise as he videotaped a TV show.
Isenhour was with a film crew for “Shoot Like A Pro” on Dec. 12 at the Grand Cypress Golf course. Isenhour, 39, was charged Wednesday with cruelty to animals and killing a migratory bird. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 14 months in jail and $1,500 in fines.
Isenhour apologized in a statement and said he was only trying to scare the hawk away.
According to court documents, Isenhour got upset when a red-shouldered hawk began making noise, forcing another take. He began hitting balls at the bird, then 300 yards away, but gave up. Isenhour started again when the hawk moved within about 75 yards.
Isenhour allegedly said, “I’ll get him now,” and aimed for the hawk. Several shots later, Isenhour hit the bird, protected as a migratory species, and it fell to the ground bleeding from both nostrils.The bird was buried at the golf course.
