Jordan Spieth raised eyebrows at Augusta National by publicly criticizing the impact of ‘mud balls’ during the Masters—an often unspoken issue. He cited their influence on his iron play, calling the condition frustrating and a potential game-changer.
Despite a strong third-round 69 to reach one under par, Spieth emphasized how mud buildup on approach shots—especially on holes 11 and 13—forced conservative play.
“You’re not supposed to talk about it,” he said, highlighting the unwritten silence surrounding the topic.
Meanwhile, 2007 champion Zach Johnson surged with a remarkable 66, reaching four under after a bogey-free round. Once volatile with patrons, Johnson appeared more composed, calling his performance “a stroll in the park” and showing flashes of vintage form.
