Hail to the Spieth with Grand Slam beckoning for Jordan
THE second major of the year is upon us and it has a lot to live up to after the quality and intrigue of Scottie Scheffler’s win at the Masters.
Several storylines will compete for prominence at Southern Hills but most eyes will be on Jordan Spieth as he bids to complete a career grand slam.
The ‘Spieth Slam’ has proved elusive since the World No8 won his third major title at Royal Birkdale back in 2017.
Back then Spieth was 23 years old, a dominant force and only the second player after Jack Nicklaus to win three of golf ’s four majors before the age of 24.
He has been through a lot in the intervening years and the landscape has changed with the likes of Rahm, Scheffler and Morikawa jostling for position at the top end of the game.
Despite the various frustrations and setbacks of recent years, Spieth remains popular because he is relatable. He is a fascinating mix of genius and vulnerability.
His win at last year’s Texas Open ended a winning drought dating back to the 2017 Open and recent form suggests he will be in the conversation this week.
He heads into the second major of 2022 on the back of a win at last month’s RBC Heritage and last week’s runners-up finish at the Byron Nelson.
Southern Hills will also favour good iron play and scrambling and Spieth ticks both boxes.
His game and form suggests he is primed to compete at the business end on Sunday, but there’s no doubt the mental pressure and expectation on his shoulders will be huge.
It is the same pressure that Rory comes under every time he bids to complete a career grand slam at Augusta. The scrutiny will be intense, but it will be a thrilling watch if he pulls it off.
Another major storyline is the fact Phil Mickelson won’t be there to defend his title after withdrawing from the tournament last week.
Mickelson, who became the oldest winner of the US PGA last year, hasn’t played since February after criticism of his comments about the Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour.
He missed the Masters and has now told the US PGA he won’t be teeing it up in Tulsa.
What’s going on?
Well, it’s hard to say and only Phil, his wife and team will know.
Until he clarifies his position, we are in the realms of speculation.
There is, of course, a suggestion that he will make his return when the LIV Golf Series’ inaugural event tees it up at the Centurion Club on June 9, but only time will tell.
I do fear his time on the PGA Tour is over.
If so, it would be a sad ending for a player who has provided us with a wealth of entertainment over the years.