Player gives Spieth the edge
Gary Player says new world number one Jordan Spieth may be the best putter he's ever seen.
Player, a nine-time major champion, hailed the arrival of golf's new big three – Spieth, Jason Day and Rory McIlroy – but appeared to give the current world number one the edge over the other two contenders due to his putting prowess.
"Rory McIlroy and Jason Day have the best swings of the ‘Big Three’ at the moment, but Spieth might be as good a putter as I’ve seen,” the South African legend said at a press conference in Dubai recently.
“Tiger takes a lot of beating, but day in, day out this man is such a great putter.
“It’s going to be fascinating to see who does the best among Spieth, McIlroy and Day. But that old saying the Scottish people came up with, ‘you drive for show and putt for dough’, is so damn true.”
Player seems to be suggesting that as long as Spieth maintains his superiority on the greens, he will continue to have the beating of his two rivals.
Despite the arrival of a new generation, Player still hopes that Tiger Woods will return as well – although he admits the 14-time major champ faces an uphill battle.
“Tiger gave golf as much a boost as I’ve ever seen in my life and it is vitally important that he comes back,” he added. “But what a challenge he’s got on his hands after his various knee and back operations. Fifty per cent of me says he will come back, but 50 per cent of me says I have my doubts.”
Latest
-
News‘Investigation concluded’ into the cause of Tiger Woods’ car crash
Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said the details could not yet be released.
-
NewsResurgent Jordan Spieth feeling confident ahead of Masters challenge
For those not qualified, the Valero Texas Open is the last way to get into the Masters.
-
NewsAmerican Nelly Korda taking ‘relaxed’ approach into first major of the season
Korda finished joint runner-up at Mission Hills Country Club last year.
-
NewsWATCH: Robert MacIntyre in seventh heaven after securing Masters invite
The young Scot admits he thought it would probably never happen.
-
NewsBilly Horschel claims all-American final against Scottie Scheffler in Austin
Scheffler had plenty of crowd support as a native Texan and drew first blood at the Austin Country Club.
-
NewsColin Montgomerie criticises slow play as Horschel and Scheffler reach final
It took Scottie Scheffler and Matt Kuchar four hours and eight minutes to complete their match.
-
NewsTommy Fleetwood’s challenge in Texas ends despite ace
Billy Horschel was one of three Americans to reach the last four in Austin.
-
NewsTommy Fleetwood books quarter-final place in Austin after hole-in-one
The Englishman’s ace at the fourth followed Sergio Garcia’s hole-in-one there on Friday.
-
NewsSergio Garcia hits hole-in-one to reach WGC Match Play last 16
The Spaniard made an ace on the fourth play-off hole to get the better of Lee Westwood.
-
NewsTommy Fleetwood holds off Bryson DeChambeau to progress in Austin
The Englishman had been four up but the match went down the last.