Overview

• Heavy rainfall at Quail Hollow has left fairways saturated, leading to widespread mud balls during the 2025 PGA Championship.
• Tournament organizers have upheld the 'play-as-it-lies' rule, rejecting calls for preferred lies despite player frustration.
• Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele highlighted how mud on balls has undermined shot control, with Scheffler suffering a costly double bogey on the 16th hole.
• Dr. Paul Wood's research shows mud on balls can reduce shot distance by 20–70 yards, adding technical weight to player complaints.
• Major championship committees traditionally resist preferred lies to preserve the sport's ethos, but the issue has reignited debates over fairness in adverse conditions.