LOUISVILLE, Ky. — World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler’s opening round at the 2024 US PGA Championship took an unexpected turn due to an unusual golf phenomenon: mud balls. But what exactly are they, and why did they disrupt one of the game’s best players?
What Is a Mud Ball?
A mud ball occurs when a golf ball picks up mud or debris after landing on a wet or soft course. This extra weight on one side of the ball can drastically alter its flight path, making it nearly impossible for players to predict where it will land. "It’s like playing Russian roulette with your shots," said former PGA Tour pro Brad Faxon.
Mud balls are most common in rainy conditions or on courses with poor drainage. At Valhalla Golf Club, where this year’s PGA Championship is being held, heavy morning showers left the fairways damp, creating the perfect conditions for mud to stick to balls.
How Do Mud Balls Affect Play?
The impact of a mud ball depends on where the mud sticks:
- On the side: Causes the ball to curve unpredictably mid-flight.
- On the top or bottom: Reduces distance or creates a knuckleball effect.
Scheffler’s Struggles
Scheffler, typically one of the most accurate drivers on tour, found himself battling mud balls multiple times during his first round. On the 7th hole, his tee shot landed in a damp patch, and his approach veered sharply left due to mud on the ball. "I hit a perfect shot, and it went 20 yards off line," he lamented.
The issue isn’t new—mud balls have plagued tournaments for decades. However, the PGA Tour’s "lift, clean, and place" rule is rarely used in majors, leaving players at the mercy of the elements.
Why Don’t Players Clean the Ball?
Under standard rules, golfers can only clean their ball on the green or if it’s marked in the fairway (under preferred lies). Otherwise, they must play it as it lies—even with mud. "It’s frustrating, but it’s part of the game," said 2011 PGA Champion Keegan Bradley.
Historical Impact of Mud Balls
Mud balls have influenced major championships before:
- 2009 US Open: Tiger Woods famously lost a critical shot at Bethpage Black due to a mud ball.
- 2015 Masters: Jordan Spieth’s approach on the 17th hooked violently after picking up mud.
Can Technology Help?
Modern golf balls are designed to resist debris, but mud remains an uncontrollable variable. Some players, like Bryson DeChambeau, have experimented with hydrophobic coatings, but these aren’t tournament-legal. "Until rules change, we just have to deal with it," said Scheffler.
Conclusion: The Unpredictable Challenge
Mud balls add an element of randomness to golf, testing players’ adaptability. While frustrating, they’re a reminder that even the best can’t control everything. "It’s part of what makes golf so humbling," Scheffler concluded.
As the PGA Championship continues, players will hope for drier conditions—but if the rain returns, mud balls could once again become a deciding factor in who lifts the Wanamaker Trophy.
