Jordan Spieth’s form hampers ‘career slam’ hopes

Three-time major champion Jordan Spieth arrives at the PGA Championship in St Louis this week for a second crack at a ‘career grand slam’, but the American’s unpredictable form this year means his chances of achieving that dream could go either way.
Spieth arrives at Bellerive Country Club needing a victory to put his name alongside the game’s greats – Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods – as only the sixth player ever to win all four majors.
The 25-year-old has endured a frustrating time since his victory at last year’s Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, although he has been close to winning on several occasions.
Last month’s Open Championship at Carnoustie saw his latest brush with glory, Spieth sharing the lead going into the final round only for his challenge to flounder as he shot a five-over-par 76 to finish well out of contention.
What will it take for Jordan Spieth to win this week and complete the career Grand Slam?#PGAChamp pic.twitter.com/CLNToT1wxE
— PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) August 6, 2018
Still, the failure has not dented Spieth’s self confidence.
“I believe that my best golf has yet to come, absolutely,” he told reporters. “Even better than (2015), all that, yeah. It’s all there, and it’s moving in the right direction. So I’m actually very pleased coming out of this week.”
The Spieth of 2018 is still a long way from the Spieth of 2015, the year that saw him capture the Masters and U.S Open, while finishing tied for fourth at the Open and runner-up at the PGA.
Inconsistency, particularly with the putter, has been the problem. After his decent Open showing, he could only manage a tie for 60th spot at last week’s WGC-Bridgestone Invitational.
“I believe that going through struggles, you start to realize where your tendencies are and how to compensate for it and turn them into advantages,” Spieth said recently. “I think that I have that going for me.”
Latest
-
News
R&A: ‘No plans’ for Open to head to Donald Trump-owned Turnberry in near future
Trump National in Bedminster was on Sunday stripped of next year’s US PGA Championship.
-
News
US PGA Championship moved from Donald Trump-owned course in New Jersey
Trump National in Bedminster had been set to host the event.
-
News
Justin Thomas : ‘I made a terrible, terrible judgement call’
Thomas admitted he was distracted by what happened on Saturday during his final round.
-
News
PGA Championship to be moved away from Donald Trump-owned course
It is the second time in six years the PGA has moved an event away from a course owned by Donald Trump.
-
News
‘It’s inexcusable’ – Justin Thomas apologises for homophobic slur in Hawaii
The world number three was heard using the derogatory word towards himself after missing a par putt.
-
News
Westwood, McDowell back petition to allow English golf courses to open
The duo have added their names to a petition that has passed 100 000 signatures.
-
News
Xander Schauffele pledges to ‘fake it until I make it’ after contracting Covid
Schauffele is one of 16 players in the Sentry Tournament of Champions who failed to win an official event last season.
-
News
After years with TaylorMade, Jon Rahm joins Callaway
Spaniard will have Callaway woods and irons in his bag at Sentry Tournament of Champions.
-
News
What to expect from the 2021 OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic
There are more prestigious events on the European Tour, but there’s no denying that the Dubai Desert Classic just has something about it.
-
News
Organisers delay ticketing process for 2021 Masters as another fan shutout looms
Augusta National Golf Club is considering its options before making a call on 2021 Masters.