'What a Break': Jordan Spieth's Embedded-Ball Ruling Leads to Perfect Lie at Byron Nelson
May 25, 2025: Jordan Spieth on the 6th hole during the final round of the Charles Schwab Challenge golf tournament at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, TX. /Cal Media Fort Worth United States of America - ZUMAc04_ 20250525_zma_c04_044 Copyright: xGrayxSiegelx
May 25, 2025: Jordan Spieth on the 6th hole during the final round of the Charles Schwab Challenge golf tournament at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, TX. /Cal Media Fort Worth United States of America - ZUMAc04_ 20250525_zma_c04_044 Copyright: xGrayxSiegelx
Former world No. 1 Jordan Spieth turned a rules controversy into a fourth-straight birdie Friday at TPC Craig Ranch. The embedded-ball ruling was deployed, and Spieth benefited from it.
Under Rule 16.3 of the USGA and R&A, a player is entitled to free relief if their golf ball is embedded in its own pitch mark in the general area, that is, a fairway or rough. Spieth found himself in exactly that position.
“Wow, what a break,” an analyst said on the PGA Tour Live broadcast. “Because now he gets to place it.”
April 30, 2026, Doral, Florida, USA: April 30, 2026, Doral, Florida, USA-Jordan Spieth places his ball, during the first round of the Cadillac Championship 2026 at Trump National Doral Miami on April 30, 2026 in Doral, Florida Doral USA - ZUMAsd3_ 20260430_znp_sd3_020 Copyright: xMichelexEvexSandbergx
April 30, 2026, Doral, Florida, USA: April 30, 2026, Doral, Florida, USA-Jordan Spieth places his ball, during the first round of the Cadillac Championship 2026 at Trump National Doral Miami on April 30, 2026 in Doral, Florida Doral USA - ZUMAsd3_ 20260430_znp_sd3_020 Copyright: xMichelexEvexSandbergx
On Friday, Spieth’s ball looked plugged just on the edge of the greenside bunker at the 5th hole. He called an official for confirmation, and his assumption was right.
Spieth further questioned whether the drop would be a club length, and the response from the official was yes.
Spieth sought further confirmation from the official. The official confirmed that Spieth would receive a second chance if the ball rolled into the bunker.
Spieth went ahead with the drops, and both times the ball landed inside the bunker. His caddie, Michael Greller, was prepared to pick them up.
According to the rule, Spieth was allowed to place the ball after two failed drops, leaving it sitting almost like it was on a tee.
Spieth immediately took advantage of the favorable lie. The 32-year-old dropped a wedge to 4 feet, leading to his fourth straight birdie.
In the second round, Spieth was in peak form. He credited his putting for the impressive score.
Spieth Credits Putting For The Impressive Second Round Score
Spieth shot a bogey-free second round, scoring 9-under 62.
“It was putting today,” Spieth said. “I’ve been driving the ball the best of my life, and I drove it horribly today, like really badly. But … putting was the best.”
Spieth further added that he felt “fluid” in his approach and performed like he had planned. He was able to capitalize on the good momentum and went on a birdie streak.
The 13-time winner on the PGA Tour made six consecutive birdies in the front nine as he tied his personal PGA Tour record.
Being from Dallas, Spieth has featured at The CJ Cup Byron Nelson often but has yet to cross the line.
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Written by
Avishek Sarkar
Edited by
Pulkit Prabhav