Jordan Spieth finds drain, clubhouse, gutter in preposterous Texas Open finish
Jordan Spieth had a relatively benign day at the Valero Texas Open; then things went completely sideways on the 18th hole.
Jordan Spieth has a tendency to have rollercoaster rounds, often featuring spectacular shots, both good and bad. But nothing can compare to the ordeal he endured on Saturday at TPC San Antonio’s 18th hole, a 618-yard par-5.
The three-time major champion rifled his drive left of the fairway, with his ball nestling beneath a tree limb. Things then started to get interesting at the Valero Texas Open. Instead of taking his medicine, Spieth decided to try playing hero ball. At this juncture, he was at 5-under for the championship, eight behind Akshay Bhatia, and 2-under for his round. He felt an aggressive play would help his cause, but instead, it backfired.
It’s all a part of the experience. pic.twitter.com/hQvyeSJam6
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 6, 2024
His second shot ricocheted off a limb, veered left, and came to rest next to a drain located within the penalty area. But then, Spieth decided to do something crazy.
Instead of taking relief, Spieth knowingly hit his third shot onto the roof of TPC San Antonio’s clubhouse. His ball hilariously trickled down the roof, resting in the gutter. That led Dan Hicks of NBC Sports to say, “We’ve seen it all from Jordan Spieth. Now it’s in the gutter!”
No words. pic.twitter.com/1x0s52FbU4
— Playing Through (@_PlayingThrough) April 6, 2024
Since no white stakes marked the clubhouse as out-of-bounds, Spieth could use the clubhouse to his advantage. Spieth knew this, too. Consequently, PGA Tour rules officials awarded Spieth a free drop well in the field of play.
Spieth then took his relief 124 yards short of the pin and punched his fourth shot up and onto the front of the green. But unfortunately for Spieth, he three-putted, leading to a double-bogey seven and an even-par 72 for the day.
