Spieth set for Bahamas return
Jordan Spieth will return to the Bahamas to defend his Hero World Challenge title, and the world number one hopes the venue for this season's event can give him the same sort of lift the 2014 tournament did.
Last year, the American arrived at Isleworth having won the Australian Open the year before, and proceeded to blitz the field and set the stage for his major wins at the Masters and US Open in 2015.
Spieth arrived in the Bahamas' Albany resort course having finished second Down Under alongside Adam Scott, one stroke behind winner Matt Jones.
Even though much has changed for the 22-year-old in the 12 months since those back-to-back wins, he remembers those victories fondly.
"Each time you don't come through, you wonder, 'Is it me? Is it my game?'" Spieth said. "You near the noise. 'He's a good player but he can't close.' There's still a large learning curve.
"It just clicked right at the end of that season into '15. It was tough. Some of the evenings were tough for me when I didn't close them out.
"It makes you appreciate it. You wonder how was I not able to do it back then. I feel confident that we can get the job done no matter where we are now. You still have to get the right breaks to win a tournament.
"Last two holes at British Open, that's really the only letdown I had in my mind in majors. Someone else is going to close it out or you're not quite going to pull the shots off."
Scott, meanwhile, hopes he can end something of a transitional year on a high. The former Masters champion has had an indifferent 2015, switching caddies and equipment whilst getting to grips with a normal putters, ahead of the ban on anchored putters in 2016.
"I really like where my game has been going these last six to eight weeks," Scott said.
"I feel like I'm moving forward with my game. Last week it got into really nice shape. I'm really just hitting my stride.
"It took me a while to get settled in with all that stuff. I feel like I'm in a good spot now and have some good momentum going into next year."
Spieth will play his first round alongside India's Anibar Lahiri, while Scott will be partnered by England's Justin Rose.
Latest
-
NewsOn this day in 2014 – Europe retain Ryder Cup with Gleneagles victory
The Gleneagles victory was Europe’s eighth win in 10 matches.
-
European Tour‘Is this where I am going to die?’ Nicolas Colsaerts on kidney disorder battle
The Belgian is the focus of attention this week as he belatedly defends the Cazoo Open de France title he won three years ago.
-
Ryder CupOn this day in 2008: Ryder Cup misery in Louisville for Nick Faldo’s Europe team
Faldo was heavily criticised for his tactics in the closing singles.
-
LIV GolfOpen champion Cameron Smith wins first LIV trophy in just second start
The world number two is the highest-ranked player to join the rebel series.
-
European TourRobert MacIntyre beats Matt Fitzpatrick in play-off to win Italian Open
MacIntyre birdied the first extra hole at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club, the venue for next year’s Ryder Cup.
-
European TourMatt Fitzpatrick holds narrow lead ahead of final round at Italian Open
Rory McIlroy and Aaron Rai are one shot off the pace.
-
European TourRory McIlroy picks up the pace to claim lead ahead of Matt Fitzpatrick in Rome
McIlroy’s group looked unlikely to complete their second rounds after taking three hours to play nine holes.
-
NewsMatt Fitzpatrick leads way at Italian Open despite ‘inconsistent’ display
The US Open champion held a one-shot lead over fellow Englishman Tom Lewis,
-
European TourRory McIlroy rues a late night until eagle gets him flying in Italian Open
The four-time major winner was only a shot behind leader Matt Fitzpatrick after the first round of the Rome event.
-
European TourRory McIlroy begins Italian Open with superb 67 after recovering from slow start
He kick-started his round by holing out from 115 yards for an eagle on the par-four third.