Jordan Spieth is known for a lot of things. For instance, his sweet gestures towards the fans, his stellar golfing skills, and sometimes his notorious character. Spieth has solidified his status as one of the best in the game, but this has not stopped him from causing a few mishaps here and there.
The 13-time PGA Tour winner’s recent performances have been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. He made the top 10 in only 2 events out of the 8 he has played so far: the Sentry and the Phoenix Open. He also recently shot his fourth ace on the first day of the Valero Texas Open. Who knew that this glorious shot would soon be outshined by what some might call a smart tactic? Spieth’s ‘gutter shot’ in the third round at TPC San Antonio has led us down memory lane, reminiscing about some of the unpredictable and humorous blunders and moments he has had on the course.
Scorecard blunders
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Jordan Spieth had a difficult run at the Genesis Invitational earlier this year. The 30-year-old was disqualified after the first round for signing the wrong scorecard, a seemingly minor error that had serious repercussions. On par-3 4, he signed for a 3, but it was later discovered that he made a bogey, which resulted in an inaccurate scorecard.
Read more: ‘Extremely Frustrating’: Jordan Spieth Confused by ‘Bizarre’ Slump in Form as the Masters Nears
Recognized for his painstaking attention to detail, Spieth issued a statement admitting his mistake: “Today, I signed for an incorrect scorecard and stepped out of the scoring area, after thinking I went through all procedures to make sure it was correct. Rules are rules, and I take full responsibility.” Spieth subsequently regretted that he was not able to play at the Riviera for the event’s entirety.
Rule hacker
The scorecard is not the only place where Spieth has caused controversy. Spieth’s ability to think creatively and take advantage of the rules has come to light at the ongoing Texas Open. During the third round and on the 18th, Spieth took the risk and hit the ball onto the clubhouse roof when he found himself in a difficult position behind a big concrete drain.
Orlando Pope, Senior Director of TV Rules for the PGA Tour, attested to Spieth’s strategy’s legality while emphasizing his keen knowledge of the regulations. Spieth would end up getting a free drop permissible under rule 16.1a, “from an immovable obstruction” (the clubhouse) as well as “a temporary immovable obstruction” (the scoreboard).
Cinema.
Jordan Spieth hits it onto the ROOF of the clubhouse @ValeroTXOpen. https://t.co/5S5ROxqmmG pic.twitter.com/H0obEXNOju
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 6, 2024
If this risky shot had been successful, the golfer would have had an outside chance of par. He took the drop and found himself 50- feet away from par. The ball dropped three putts later, and Spieth ended the round with a double bogey instead of a bogey. It turns out that the three-time major champion’s clever ideology to use the rule in his favor did not really pan out as expected.
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Cliff shot
The amazing and risky shots that Jordan Spieth has made are part of his repertoire. Spieth demonstrated his bravery at the 2022 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am by making a daring cliff shot on the par-4 8th hole. Spieth hit his ball toward the greens from the edge of the cliff, and to quote the golfer himself, he said, “That was by far the most nerve-wracking shot I’ve ever hit in my life.” And rightfully so! It touched down close to the greenside bunker’s right. Both the ball and Jordan Spieth were safe from the terrifying shot.
The shot was evidence of the Dallas-born’s steely nerves and unwavering resolve to push the limits of his game. Spieth has surely had highs and lows in his career, but he has always persevered in defying expectations and captivating crowds with his erratic performances. Whether it’s making incredible shots or conquering scorecard errors, Spieth’s path reminds us of the excitement and thrill that characterize the game of golf.
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Jordan is stated to be making his 11th Masters appearance and he will surely be hoping to clinch the title for the second time since 2015. He has a few close calls at Masters since, and with the notorious way he has been playing lately, nobody knows how things well end! But one thing is certain, and that you can always expect the unexpected when Spieth is on the course.
Read more: ‘Shambolic Golfer’: Fans Drag Jordan Spieth to Mudpit as His Bizzare Texas Open Action Goes Viral