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Masters 2026: Scottie Scheffler, like Jordan Spieth and Bubba Watson before him, talked about something you're not supposed to talk about at Augusta National
TL;DR
Scottie Scheffler discussed 'mud balls' at Augusta National, a topic typically avoided by players. Despite a strong performance with a third-round 65, he expressed frustration after missing a birdie opportunity on the par-5 13th hole.
AUGUSTA, Ga. — Like Jordan Spieth and Bubba Watson before him, Scottie Scheffler talked about something you are not supposed to talk about at Augusta National.
Mud balls.
Following his third-round 65, Scheffler was oddly testy with the media outside of Augusta National's clubhouse. His interview with CBS' Amanda Balionis wasn't quite as spicy, though he still had some things he wanted to get off his chest.
Despite having a 6 iron in his hands for his second shot into the par-5 13th, a club Scheffler referred to as a "scoring club," the World No. 1 failed to make birdie. Hell, given how good he is with his irons, eagle was certainly not out of the question. Could you imagine if he had pulled that off and he matched the course-record 63, to put himself at nine under, just two back? Sheeshaloo.
Unfortunately, Scheffler's ball darted immediately left off the face, a clear sign of a mud ball. And that's not speculation. He went there, the place you're not supposed to go unless you want a stern talking to from the green jackets:
As Rick Golfs pointed out, Spieth did rant about this, too. Though it was not a couple years ago, it was last year, and our Dave Shedloski covered it. Spieth went as far as to say it can determine the outcome of the tournament following his third round in 2025.
"My iron play killed me the last two days, and to be brutally honest with you, it was primarily mud balls," Spieth said a year ago. "It's just so frustrating because you can't talk about them here. You're not supposed to talk about them. Mud balls can affect this tournament significantly, especially when you get them a lot on 11 and 13. They're just daggers on those two holes."
Spieth did add that Augusta National had done a better job of limiting them in 2025, but with the way they mow the fairways and with the amount of watering they require, mud balls are inevitable. And because this isn't a regular PGA Tour event, players are going to have to play the ball down at the Masters.
Another former winner, Bubba Watson, infamously shouted out "MUD BALL" after an approach into the fifth a few years ago.
Good news for this trio - they all have green jackets. Which means they'll be invited back next year and for many more years to come. As for those without one of them coats, we'd suggest keeping the mud ball comments to yourself.
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Q&A
What are mud balls in golf and why are they controversial at Augusta National?
Mud balls refer to golf balls that pick up mud on the course, affecting their flight and playability. They are controversial at Augusta National because players often avoid discussing course conditions that could be seen as excuses.
How did Scottie Scheffler perform in the third round of the Masters 2026?
Scottie Scheffler shot a third-round score of 65, showcasing strong play but expressing frustration over missing a birdie on the 13th hole.
What was Scottie Scheffler's reaction to his performance at the Masters 2026?
Scheffler was testy with the media after his round, indicating his dissatisfaction with not capitalizing on scoring opportunities despite his solid performance.
