Jordan Spieth’s Grand Slam ambitions at the PGA Championship have been hit by a late setback. The PGA of America confirmed players won’t be allowed preferred lies, despite poor weather affecting Quail Hollow’s course conditions ahead of the tournament.
This rule means competitors must play balls as they lie, even if covered in mud—something Spieth recently criticized. At the Masters, he blamed “mud balls” for his poor iron play, describing them as unpredictable and frustrating for players on key holes like 11 and 13.
Spieth expressed annoyance that players are discouraged from discussing the issue. He emphasized how mud can drastically influence shot accuracy and strategy, especially when lying poorly on fairways mowed into the grain.
While organizers insist conditions are ideal, many players, including Spieth, may struggle with consistency. Past exceptions to this rule, like in 2016, were controversial, but with rain looming, calls for fairness may resurface once again.
