JR Smith hilariously lost his cool during celebrity golf event

August 1, 2026 by Grey Papke • Comments

JR Smith wearing a cap — Sep 4, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Former NBA player J.R. Smith looks on from the 3rd hole during the third round of the Tour Championship golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hagy-USA TODAY Sports

JR Smith almost had a bit of a meltdown on Saturday while taking part in a celebrity golf event.

Smith was one of the players in the Polymarket Classic, which featured him competing in pairs against golf influencers including Paige Spiranac. At one point, Smith missed back-to-back putts, including one fairly simple one.

Smith looked ready to throw his club before he was able to calm himself down.

🚨NEW: JR Smith missed 2 putts and almost crashed out. pic.twitter.com/4R7BmVJ5Kc
— Polymarket Sports (@PolymarketSport) August 1, 2026

Smith and partner Claire Hogle wound up losing 7-1, so in many ways, that sequence was emblematic of his afternoon.

We do know that Smith is fond of golfing. After his NBA career ended, he even sought to join a college golf team after going back to school. He let himself down on Saturday, though.