Jordan Spieth asked his caddie what Arnold Palmer would do, then hit an amazing shot

Jordan Spieth is trying to win the Masters for the second time in three years. He took a huge step in that direction on Saturday, shooting a 4-under 68 and settling just two shots back of leaders Justin Rose and Sergio Garcia.

One of Spieth’s birdies came on Augusta National’s par-5 13th hole. He hit his tee shot on that hole into a miniature forest of pine needles, and he needed a recovery on his second shot. To do it, Spieth tried to channel a Masters legend, Arnold Palmer.

Spieth asked his caddie, Michael Greller, “What would Arnie do, Mike?”

Greller responded that Arnie would hit the ball “right below it, 20 feet.”

Spieth responded that he’d do that.

Spieth then went into his backswing and hit a low shot that landed softly and settled within about 30 feet of the flagstick. He took two putts from there and made birdie. Spieth landed the ball roughly right where Greller (via Palmer) suggested.

This is the first Masters since Arnold Palmer passed away last fall. Palmer is among the most universally beloved golf figures in history, revered by players, fans, and media members alike. His close friends Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player were among those to pay formal tribute to Palmer on the tournament’s opening day, Thursday.

Spieth’s tribute was a bit less formal, and he probably would’ve hit a good shot even without pondering Palmer’s frame of mind. Still, it’s awesome that he did.

Spieth speaks about Greller as an equal part of his golfing operation, often using the pronoun “we” to describe his performance. After Spieth’s rough finish at the Masters last year, Greller wrote that Spieth would be “back.” Clearly, he is.