In golf, a “mud ball” is when the ball veers randomly in mid-air due to dirt sticking to one side of it. Although not new, this phenomenon is gaining attention at the 2025 PGA Championship. The Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, was wet by heavy rains, which resulted in treacherous fairways and a controversial ruling by tournament officials: eliminating the “lift, clean, and place” regulation, which would have permitted competitors to polish their balls before shots.

This decision has rekindled discussions on tradition and fairness in the sport. Curtis Strange, a two-time U.S. Open champion and ESPN pundit, made waves for his changing views on the subject at the 2025 PGA Championship, which heightened the discussion. Strange actively contributes to commentary and analysis even though he is not currently competing in the event.

However, top-ranked athletes Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele have also expressed their dissatisfaction as Strange navigates this media storm, especially regarding mud balls’ effect on their play. That debate took center stage when Curtis Strange, a golf legend turned analyst, was under fire for seemingly talking both ways.

Curtis Strange faces backlash over contradictory comments

Curtis Strange’s vacillation on the PGA’s ruling has sparked criticism from the golf community. Strange initially bemoaned the move to forbid players from cleaning their balls, arguing that it undermined the fairness of the game. Golf expert Kyle Porter recently tweeted these remarks. He had written, “Curtis Strange: I think [the PGA] made a mistake [by not playing lift, clean, and place today].”

But he later changed his mind, saying, “Adjust! It’s not fair, but it’s a game played outdoors. It’s not supposed to be fair.” Both fans and other critics took notice of this sudden shift. Porter, too, drew attention to this discrepancy, pointing out that Strange’s flip was surprising considering his wealth of sporting expertise.

Strange’s concern draws attention to the larger discussion in the golf industry about upholding established rules versus making adjustments to guarantee fairness in challenging circumstances. His first admission of the difficulties caused by mud balls is in line with players’ worries, as “it could cost somebody the tournament,” according to Strange. However, his later retractions highlight the conflict between upholding the purity of the game and considering pragmatic factors.

The controversies surrounding Strange’s remarks highlight how difficult it is to make decisions in professional golf, particularly when bad weather affects play. As a seasoned commentator and former champion, Strange’s opinions carry weight, and his reversal has intensified discussions about the appropriate balance between tradition and adaptability in the sport. While Strange’s commentary stirred debate, it was the top players’ raw frustration on the course that truly intensified the uproar.

Top players criticize PGA Over mud ball conditions

In the face of rainy conditions at Quail Hollow, world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and reigning champion Xander Schauffele have publicly blasted the PGA for not enforcing the “lift, clean, and place” guideline. According to Scheffler, “It’s frustrating to hit the ball in the middle of the fairway and get mud on it and have no idea where it’s going to go.” Mud balls caused serious setbacks for both players.

Reiterating this idea, Schauffele pointed out how challenging it is to forecast ball flight in such situations. The players’ annoyances point to a developing worry about striking a balance between upholding established norms and guaranteeing fair play. Although the PGA wants to maintain the integrity of the game, the unpredictability of mud balls calls into question the viability of strict adherence to custom, particularly when it detracts from performance.

As the competition goes on, the discussion sparked by Strange’s remarks and the players’ experiences might lead to a review of the regulations pertaining to unfavorable weather. Achieving equilibrium between respecting the sport’s customs and taking into account the demands of contemporary play would be the aim.