J.J. Spaun had a tough beginning in the last round of the tournament. 2025 Players Championship , recording two bogeys and no birdies over his first eight holes.
However, his luck shifted at the par-5 ninth hole, which aided the third-round leader in reclaiming the shared top spot as he progressed toward the final stretch of holes.
His second attempt fell far short of the green and landed in the thick grass. However, his third shot originated from the fairway and stopped just six feet eight inches away. According to NBC Sports commentator Jim "Bones" Mackay during the telecast, this favorable outcome was due to a lucky drop.
When Spaun reached his ball in the rough, he found himself standing on a sprinkler head. Upon taking relief from the initial sprinkler head, he discovered yet another one nearby. According to Mackay, Spaun deliberately placed the ball on this second sprinkler head, thus qualifying for additional relief. Following two such placements, he finally ended up in the fairway.
After two more shots, he found himself level with Rory McIlroy as they approached the final nine holes.
Many golf enthusiasts expressed their displeasure with the incident on social platforms, raising doubts about its legitimacy. During the coverage, NBC chose not to display the drop scene but continued supporting Mackay’s account. Nonetheless, what Spaun executed adheres strictly to the Rules of Golf regulations; furthermore, he cleverly utilized these rules to secure an advantageous position followed by a birdie.
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The article was initially published on: J.J. Spaun intentionally tosses his golf ball onto a sprinkler during The Players Championship, leveraging the Rules of Golf to his benefit.