When exploring golf pranks on the internet, you may come across some truly elaborate hole-in-one pranks. These often involve someone falsely claiming to have scored a hole-in-one, only to later reveal that the golfer had not achieved this seemingly impossible feat. Unfortunately, Jordan Spieth found himself on the receiving end of just such a prank last year.
The COVID-19 pandemic had led to a hiatus in golf events, with most players taking refuge on private courses. During this break, Spieth and his wife, Annie, spent some time in Colorado. Being the dedicated golfer he is, Spieth couldn’t resist the allure of playing golf, this time at the private Snowmass Club outside Aspen.
It was at this exclusive club that the 28-year-old Spieth crossed paths with Shane Smith, a property manager residing near the 12th green, who would end up orchestrating the infamous hole-in-one prank on the three-time major champion.
While enjoying his day at the private club, Shane Smith decided to venture out to watch Spieth in action. The 12th hole, known for its elevated green, meant that the player couldn’t see where their ball landed. Spieth’s ball settled approximately 20 feet from the hole.
However, Smith had different plans in mind. He discreetly marked Spieth’s ball, picked it up, and cunningly placed it in the 12th hole. His intention was clear – to make Spieth’s day memorable with a touch of humor. The prank kicked off with Spieth perplexed, wondering about the whereabouts of his ball.
Feigning ignorance, Smith casually informed Spieth that the ball was in the hole, to which Spieth incredulously responded, “You’re kidding.”
In the next moment, Spieth was jubilant, expressing how he had never before achieved a hole-in-one on a par-four hole. Annie later joined in the celebration.
Ultimately, Smith had to confess and cut short the prank. He admitted to Spieth, “I was trying to be funny, and you might not be able to hear me because I have my foot so far down my throat. But your ball finished over there. I actually put it in the hole.”
Initially skeptical, the PGA Tour star thought Smith was joking. However, Spieth soon appreciated the humor, admitting that Smith had taken him “from the mountaintop way down to the valley.” Spieth’s response was gracious, considering he recognized Smith and was understanding about the prank. Spieth himself acknowledged it as “just an awesome story that I’ll never forget.”
In the world of golf, where every stroke and moment counts, this unexpected and humorous encounter served as a reminder that even the most accomplished players can be on the receiving end of a good-natured prank from time to time. Jordan Spieth’s experience at the Snowmass Club with Shane Smith adds a lighthearted chapter to his illustrious golfing career.
