Zach Johnson Seemingly Convinced Jordan Spieth to Switch Clubs at the Ryder Cup and Fans Lost It

A bizarre scenario unfolded on Saturday at the Ryder Cup as Zach Johnson appeared on television to convince Jordan Spieth to switch clubs on the 16th tee—from a driver to a 3-wood—only for him to hit the shot into the water hazard just short of the drivable par-4. 

Spieth and Thomas were facing Justin Rose and Robert MacIntyre, and the Americans likely would have needed an eagle to win the hole and extend the match.

When asked about that moment on the broadcast afterward, Johnson said he didn't tell Spieth to switch clubs. "I'm not telling Jordan Spieth what club to hit. You come up with phrases to build some confidence," he said.

Spieth and Thomas ultimately tied the hole with the Europeans and lost the match 3 and 2. 

Both U.S. players looked baffled by the result of the tee shot as it splashed into the water, but TV commentators and social media users were simply stunned. 

Former U.S. Ryder Cup team member Hunter Mahan couldn’t believe it, while working as an analyst on the world feed broadcast. “I’m not sure I made myself clear how dumfounded I am by that decision,” Mahan said. “I just have no idea what was going on there.”

Graeme McDowell, a past European Team member and current LIV golfer, weighed in.

Here are some more reactions from the strange scene on the 16th tee.