Andy Murray left red-faced after on-course disaster as crowd burst out laughing

As countless enthusiasts will attest, golf can be a merciless game. One minute you're soaring, the next you're being humbled in a manner only this sport can manage.

Andy Murray understands that sensation better than most at present.

Coming off a brilliant performance on day one of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, the two-time Wimbledon winner encountered trouble on Friday that left both himself and spectators roaring with laughter.

On St Andrews' par-four fourth hole, Murray's drive drifted right into a fairway bunker. Far from perfect, but scarcely catastrophic.

The sort of position where most players would simply "take their medicine" and chip it back onto the fairway, giving themselves a chance at rescuing par, reports Wales Online.

"Taking the medicine, I would have thought, here, Murray," said commentator Inci Mehmet, advocating prudence from the Scotsman.

Although Murray did seem to adopt a cautious strategy - it still went spectacularly awry. He barely made contact with the ball, striking the sand initially, and witnessed it trickle merely a few feet sideways, remaining obstinately in the bunker.

What happened next was absolutely priceless.

Murray doubled over, palms on his knees, before erupting into laughter at his own misfortune.

The image of one of Britain's finest athletes chortling at a golfing blunder triggered amusement throughout the bunker, with onlookers sharing in the moment.

"That's a lot of side-spin, there!" came the sardonic observation from commentator Andrew Coltart, capturing the scene perfectly.

The shot that Murray, partnered with English professional Eddie Pepperell, attempted was one that millions of golfers worldwide could relate to - the failed bunker escape.

Even for a man who has triumphed on Centre Court and in Olympic finals, it served as a stark reminder that golf can humble even the greatest.

Perhaps this is why Murray is such a beloved figure in the field. He's not shy about laughing at himself - even when things go disastrously wrong.

On Friday, his bunker mishap had the crowd roaring with laughter, demonstrating once again that golf truly can produce the most human moments.