Ryder Cup 2023: Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy's heated rules debate

Ryder Cup 2023: Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy's heated rules debate.

During the 2023 Ryder Cup, Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy had a tense rules exchange on the 17th hole.

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The exchange occurred during the Saturday morning foursomes session of the tournament.

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At that point, Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood were facing off against Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth.

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Thomas and Spieth had managed to narrow their deficit from 3 down on the 12th hole to just 1 down on the 17th tee.

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The tension arose when Justin Thomas's tee shot landed in thick rough after bouncing once.

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During the search for the ball, Jordan Spieth noticed that his ball had been accidentally stepped on.

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Under Rule 7.4, Spieth was entitled to place his ball back where he believed it was initially without improving his lie.

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Some spectators briefly booed at this decision, but both Rory McIlroy and a rules official agreed with Spieth's action.

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Despite the rules exchange, Spieth and Thomas were unable to gain an advantage from the situation.

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They ultimately lost the hole and the match, highlighting the intense competition of the Ryder Cup.

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