‘You’re not supposed to talk about it’ – Grand Slam chasing Jordan Spieth hit with last-minute blow at PGA Championship
Jordan Spieth’s hopes of completing the Career Grand Slam this week have been dealt an annoying blow ahead of the PGA Championship. The American needs the US PGA title to join Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy in completing the career Grand Slam – winning every major in golf at least once. It’s been ten years since Spieth won his first majorGetty He’s been chasing it since 2017, but he won’t be too happy after the PGA of America announced their rules for the second major of the year. The weather in the build-up to the event at Quail Hollow has been shocking. As a result, there could be a lot of mud, and on the PGA Tour, players can lift, clean and place their balls. In practice, this means after heavy rainfall, competitors can clean their balls and replace them somewhere else on the fairway as long as it’s in line. However, because the PGA Championship is a major, that won’t be happening, meaning many players are likely to find their balls covered in mud at some point. This is known as ‘mud balls’ and it is something that Spieth has been critical of very recently. Speaking after three rounds of play at the Masters at Augusta National last month, the three-time major champion said: “My iron play killed me the last two days, and to be brutally honest with you, it was primarily mud balls. “It’s just so frustrating because you can’t talk about them. You’re not supposed to talk about them. “Mud balls can affect this tournament significantly, especially when you get them a lot on 11 and 13. They’re just daggers on those two holes. “There’s like less than normal, but I still had them today on those holes. I had them yesterday on those holes. Spieth is looking to follow McIlroy and complete the Grand SlamGetty “It’s something to pay attention to for sure for leader groups, because you just have to play so far away from trouble or lay up when you’d normally go for it, just random stuff, because it will affect it significantly. “And if you’re on the wrong side of the hole, you’re either in the water or you almost can’t make par depending on what hole it is. “Look, it’s mowed into the grain. The ball is digging in on every shot. A lot of times you have it on 75% of your drives.” Elaborating on the point further, Spieth hinted it’s a problem no one talks about, especially when it comes to the Masters. He added: “Every person is having to deal with it. “The fact that you’re not supposed to talk about it is a bit frustrating because it is a difference maker. It can be a difference maker in scores on some holes.” So, Spieth is unlikely to be too happy with the decision to not implement preferred lies at Quail Hollow this week. The other majors also stick by these rules, but the PGA Championship has been known to go against the grain regarding this at times. In 2016, players were allowed to lift, clean and place their golf balls during the final round after heavy rain, but it was a decision criticised by golf purists. It’s unclear how exactly the course at the PGA Championship will play this week and organisers insists the fairways are in perfect condition. But while the weather is set to give McIlroy an advantage, it’s likely to leave Spieth and others frustrated. Get 40/1 for Rory McIlroy to make the cut at the USPGA Championship The Open getaway Enjoy a 3-night weekend getaway with grounds admission tickets for both Saturday and Sunday of The Open 2025. Stay in comfort at the Hilton Templepatrick, with transfers included and exclusive access to the Your Golf Travel Clubhouse. All this from just £1,270 per person – don’t miss your chance to be part of golf’s biggest event in ultimate style. Plan your dream golf trip HERE.
Jordan Spieth’s hopes of completing the Career Grand Slam this week have been dealt an annoying blow ahead of the PGA Championship.
The American needs the US PGA title to join Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy in completing the career Grand Slam – winning every major in golf at least once.
He’s been chasing it since 2017, but he won’t be too happy after the PGA of America announced their rules for the second major of the year.
The weather in the build-up to the event at Quail Hollow has been shocking.
As a result, there could be a lot of mud, and on the PGA Tour, players can lift, clean and place their balls.
In practice, this means after heavy rainfall, competitors can clean their balls and replace them somewhere else on the fairway as long as it’s in line.
However, because the PGA Championship is a major, that won’t be happening, meaning many players are likely to find their balls covered in mud at some point.
This is known as ‘mud balls’ and it is something that Spieth has been critical of very recently.
Speaking after three rounds of play at the Masters at Augusta National last month, the three-time major champion said: “My iron play killed me the last two days, and to be brutally honest with you, it was primarily mud balls.
“It’s just so frustrating because you can’t talk about them. You’re not supposed to talk about them.
“Mud balls can affect this tournament significantly, especially when you get them a lot on 11 and 13. They’re just daggers on those two holes.
“There’s like less than normal, but I still had them today on those holes. I had them yesterday on those holes.
“It’s something to pay attention to for sure for leader groups, because you just have to play so far away from trouble or lay up when you’d normally go for it, just random stuff, because it will affect it significantly.
“And if you’re on the wrong side of the hole, you’re either in the water or you almost can’t make par depending on what hole it is.
“Look, it’s mowed into the grain. The ball is digging in on every shot. A lot of times you have it on 75% of your drives.”
Elaborating on the point further, Spieth hinted it’s a problem no one talks about, especially when it comes to the Masters.
He added: “Every person is having to deal with it.
“The fact that you’re not supposed to talk about it is a bit frustrating because it is a difference maker. It can be a difference maker in scores on some holes.”
So, Spieth is unlikely to be too happy with the decision to not implement preferred lies at Quail Hollow this week.
The other majors also stick by these rules, but the PGA Championship has been known to go against the grain regarding this at times.
In 2016, players were allowed to lift, clean and place their golf balls during the final round after heavy rain, but it was a decision criticised by golf purists.
It’s unclear how exactly the course at the PGA Championship will play this week and organisers insists the fairways are in perfect condition.
But while the weather is set to give McIlroy an advantage, it’s likely to leave Spieth and others frustrated.
Get 40/1 for Rory McIlroy to make the cut at the USPGA Championship
The Open getaway
Enjoy a 3-night weekend getaway with grounds admission tickets for both Saturday and Sunday of The Open 2025.
Stay in comfort at the Hilton Templepatrick, with transfers included and exclusive access to the Your Golf Travel Clubhouse.
All this from just £1,270 per person – don’t miss your chance to be part of golf’s biggest event in ultimate style.
Plan your dream golf trip HERE.
