One commentator walking with Spieth's group described the situation as "terrifying" but the three-time major winner went ahead and managed to pull off the shot and hit his ball over the gaping chasm without toppling over the cliff.
It was not until Spieth saw overhead video footage that he realised the risk he had taken.
"I just saw the blimp shot from overhead and it really bothered me, so I can't imagine while she was watching that live," Spieth said of Annie, his wife of three years.
"My parents are here too, so not only do I have to explain to my wife, I got to explain to my mom, my dad."
Spieth was speaking after carding 63 to jump within one shot of the lead with one round left at the PGA Tour event.