JORDAN SPIETH pulled off an early contender for best shot of the 2021 Ryder Cup in his opening round at Whistling Straits – but nearly sent himself for an early bath in the process.
The American ace, 28, was left in a precarious position after partner Justin Thomas missed the 17th green with his approach shot.
Spieth was left on a dangerously steep verge, up to his ankles in long grass and without a view of the green.
Despite that, the former world No1 managed to get his wedge shot within feet of the green in a truly remarkable display of golfing skill.
However, after hitting the shot, Spieth quickly lost balance and ended up stumbling down the hill.
In a bid to stop himself from falling completely, the US star kept his legs moving as he careered ever closer to Lake Michigan.
Fortunately for Spieth he was able to stop himself just in time.
Frustratingly for the American, partner Thomas missed the subsequent putt as Team Europe pair Jon Rahm and Sergio Garcia won the foursome 3&1 in a rare win for the visitors on day one of the 2021 Ryder Cup, as they slipped to a 6-2 deficit.
RYDER CUP BETTING SPECIAL: BEST ODDS AND PRICE BOOSTS
After his round, Spieth revealed his little jog down the hill wasn’t for show – but purely for self-preservation.
The American said: “I don’t think I exaggerated that fall, you know how steep that is.
“Once I started moving, I was like, ‘I’ve got to keep moving until I find a flat spot’.
“It’s one of those shots that you practice as a kid for fun and you don’t ultimately want to have it.
“And the chances of it going there – you could roll a thousand balls off the green and it’s not going it stay where it was.”
Even Team Europe rival Garcia admitted he could only watch on and clap at the incredible feat of golfing skill.
The Spaniard said: “I was clapping. I was hoping that he wouldn’t hurt himself, but he hit an unbelievable shot.
“I didn’t think there was a chance he could get it on the green.”
