Jordan Spieth's tee shot on the 15th hole at TPC Deere Run on Thursday did not go where he intended. It went right, crossed the cart path, and ended up under a Michelob Ultra-branded recycling bin. 

What followed was a rules consultation, two moved bins, an 185-yard approach to 3 feet, and a birdie putt that found the bottom of the cup.

The PGA Tour shared the moment on X with the caption, "One man's trash is Jordan Spieth's treasure." It happened during the round of the John Deere Classic at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois, on July 2, 2026. At that point, Spieth was 2-under par and tied for 10th after playing seven holes.

His ball ended up under a Michelob Ultra recycling bin that was placed next to a trash can and a white flag for spectators.

Before taking his next shot, Spieth moved both bins to the side of the cart path to make enough room to play the ball.

After moving the first bin, Spieth found the ball under the second. A rules official confirmed the ball was embedded under the bin. They allowed Spieth to recreate the original lie by placing the ball on top of the grass. 

Spieth placed the ball with his left hand. He then hit his approach 185 yards to 3 feet and converted the birdie putt.

Journalist Jeff Eisenband on X summed up Jordan Spieth's roller-coaster finish in a post on X on July 2.

He pointed out that Spieth made a brilliant birdie on the 15th hole. It was after moving several trash bins. Also, after hitting an impressive shot from the rough to within three feet of the hole.

But three holes later, Spieth made a double bogey on the 18th hole, even though his tee shot landed in the middle of the fairway.

Jordan Spieth and his winless drought and what's at stake this week

Spieth actually has not won a PGA Tour event since the 2022 RBC Heritage.

His most recent win came at Harbour Town Golf Links. Interestingly, it was where he beat Patrick Cantlay in a sudden-death playoff to earn the 13th PGA Tour title of his career. He has also won the John Deere Classic twice, in 2013 and 2015, and both victories came in playoffs.

The 32-year-old arrives at TPC Deere Run with two titles at this event to his name.

Jordan Spieth's opening round at the John Deere Classic took another unexpected turn on Thursday. After starting on the 10th hole at 8:35 a.m., Spieth played his way to 1-under par through 14 holes.

However, on the par-4 15th, his tee shot sailed well right of the fairway and came to rest on the opposite side of the cart path, leaving him with an unusual recovery shot. 

What do you think about Jordan Spieth's wild birdie at the John Deere Classic? Let us know in the comments!

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Written by

Sneha Abraham

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi