With crowds in the six figures and a laid-back, fan-friendly atmosphere, the WM Phoenix Open is frequently a magnet for chaos. In the first round of the tournament Thursday, Jordan Spieth found that out the hard way.
The three-time major champion teed off on the par-3 fourth hole at one-under after birdieing the par-5 third. Spieth, however, yanked this drive into the gallery.
What happened next was bizarre as the ball appeared to land squarely in a spectator's lap.
"Did it deflect off you or was it at rest?" a rules official asked a Suns jersey-clad spectator.
"I was sitting here and it landed in my hand," he responded nonchalantly.
"Did it fall on the ground after it hit?" Spieth asked.
"No," the fan said, and the three agreed that the ball struck the fan on the fly, with the fan only dropping the ball when someone yelled at him to do so.
Spieth took a drop and eventually settled for a bogey.
Despite his first-round misadventure, he entered the third round of the tournament Saturday in a tie for third place.
