Jordan Spieth at the 2014 Emirates Australian Open

2014 Emirates Australian Open

Jordan Spieth Upset After Marshal Misstep at Australian Open

Masters runner-up Jordan Spieth was left steaming after a clumsy marshal trod on his ball and potentially cost him the outright lead during the second round of the Australian Open.

Spieth recovered from the incident on the par-3 fourth hole at The Australian, his 13th of the day, to finish with back-to-back birdies and the clubhouse lead at three-under-par for the championship.

But the American was still seething - and bewildered - after signing for a one-over 72 after he'd teed off on Friday one stroke clear of the field.

The marshal's mishap occurred after Spieth's long iron tee shot rolled just over the back of the green and into light rough.

The marshal didn't own up and it was left to spectators to alert Spieth to what had happened.

"I hit a really good shot right over the green and I knew it would be a basic pitch back on or a tap-in (birdie)," he said.

"I guess one of the officials kicked my ball or stepped on it and it moved.

"I didn't know and some of the crowd told me that he had done that and that's the third time it has happened this year, which is really amazing because the ball was 10 feet off the green and I don't see how you don't know where the golf balls are."