American golfer **Jordan Spieth** captured unwanted attention during the opening round of the 2026 WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, where visible frustration erupted after a poorly executed shot early in his round.
The incident unfolded on the par-4 first hole, where the 32-year-old three-time major champion mishit his 158-yard approach shot with an iron. As the ball veered sharply off target—landing nearly 40 feet from the pin—Spieth reacted dramatically, swinging his club forcefully through the air in clear exasperation. The moment was caught on camera and quickly circulated online, with clips shared by outlets including Barstool Sports highlighting the outburst.
Despite the errant approach, Spieth managed to salvage the hole, lagging his lengthy putt to within 10 inches for an easy par. The display came amid a challenging start for the former world No. 1, who has been working to regain consistent form following periods of inconsistency and injury concerns in recent seasons.
The “temper tantrum,” as described by some observers, occurred well before the tournament reached the iconic par-3 16th hole, known for its raucous crowds and party atmosphere. Spieth’s reaction stood out in contrast to the typically composed demeanor expected on the PGA Tour, though he has shown flashes of intensity throughout his career.
The outburst added to a difficult week for Spieth at the WM Phoenix Open. After carding a one-under-par 70 in the first round, he struggled significantly in the second, posting a four-over 75 that featured a tough back nine with multiple bogeys and a double bogey. The performance ultimately saw him miss the cut at +3, joining other notable names like Brooks Koepka in exiting early.
Fan reactions online varied, with some expressing sympathy for Spieth’s visible struggles and others questioning his mental resilience under pressure. The episode reignited discussions about the challenges of maintaining composure in high-stakes environments, particularly for a player who has endured a prolonged winless streak since his last victory in 2022.
Spieth, a fan favorite known for his creativity around the greens and past brilliance—including wins at the Masters, U.S. Open, and Open Championship—has been vocal in recent interviews about feeling positive about swing changes and physical health heading into 2026. However, the Phoenix Open moment served as a reminder of the fine line between passion and frustration in professional golf.
As the tournament continued without him over the weekend, Spieth’s early exit and on-course flare-up underscored the unpredictable nature of the sport, even for one of its most talented competitors. The WM Phoenix Open remains one of the Tour’s most entertaining stops, but for Spieth, this edition delivered more disappointment than fireworks.
