Why was Kevin Kisner hiding and Dan Hicks cringing on Open TV? Well …

Before we talk about the bat that found its way into USA Network’s Open Championship broadcast booth, and announcer Dan Hicks’ arm-flailing toward it, and analyst Kevin Kisner’s hiding from it, we must first offer a word of thanks. 

Kudos, then, to the member of the USA team who was alert enough to have a camera at the ready. 

Because without you, we might have missed one of Friday’s highlights from Royal Portrush, and most certainly the best one, non-golf division. 

The scene was shown during Friday’s second round, at about 1:15 p.m. ET (and 6:15 p.m. local time), just as the broadcast finished showing Jon Rahm making a putt amidst rain. In it, Hicks tried to shoo the bat away with both arms. And Kisner slumped lower and lower in his chair before seeking cover under his sport coat.   

Announcer Mike Tirico, meanwhile, jumped into play-by-play.

“So everyone’s had to stay nimble and quick on their feet as people are scattering in various places around the golf course,” he said. “A moment ago, apparently a bat of some sort is flying around. 

“Kevin Kisner, this is a man who is a proud hunter — he’s under his jacket. He is spooked by this bat. Dan Hicks trying to keep it away from him. You never know what you’re going to get at a major championship. You’re on the air for eight, nine hours.”

Two others, though, were also in the booth — analyst Brad Faxon and announcer Terry Gannon.  

“Apparently, Fax and Terry on the other side were just fine. Kis has taken cover under his sport coat, the nicest sport coat. Dan has saved his partner and protected him.”

The foursome then chimed in — as J.J. Spaun putted. 

Said Hicks: I’m telling you, Mike, as Spaun’s birdie putt comes up short. Just when you think you’ve seen it all.” 

Said Gannon: “Fax and I never even noticed it. The concentration of an athlete.” 

Said Hicks: “This bat did 20 laps around this tower.” 

Said Faxon: “It’s like lanes only on one side of the course versus the other. The bat’s on your side.” 

Said Hicks: “Fax is so focused he never saw it.” 

Said Faxon: “I never blinked.”

Then there was Kisner. While he’s announcing the Open, he also continues to play on the PGA Tour, and will do so next week at the 3M Open. 

Said Tirico: “But I must say, Hicksie, you are a great partner because you were protecting Kis.” 

Said Hicks: “I was.” 

Said Tirico: “Kis is playing next week, off a top 10 last week. We are protecting.” 

Said Hicks: “The great outdoorsman, Kevin Kisner, hiding underneath the set.”

From there, a Matt Fitzpatrick tee shot was shown. The bat’s whereabouts, though, were unclear.