Spieth's Shot Hits Patron, Bounces to Fairway at Masters

Jordan Spieth encountered an unexpected twist during the second round of the 90th Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on Friday, when his tee shot on the par-4 ninth hole struck a patron before ricocheting back into the fairway, allowing him to salvage par.

The three-time major champion, who captured the green jacket in 2015, began the day with a 72 in the opening round, leaving him at even par. He birdied the first hole Friday but parred the next 10 before a bogey on the 12th, finishing the round at even par for a total of 1-over. That placed him in a tie for 32nd on the leaderboard, five shots behind leader Rory McIlroy, who stood at 12-under after his second round.

Spieth's drive veered sharply left off the tee, initially appearing headed for the trees lining the fairway. Traveled at 174 miles per hour, the ball deflected off the patron, likely his hand, and bounced into a favorable position in the middle of the fairway. A commentator noted the moment live on broadcast, saying, "What a bounce. I think that hit that patron's hand." Without the deflection, the shot could have resulted in a much worse lie, potentially derailing Spieth's chances of making the cut.