The Manila Times

No. 2 Spieth eyes FedEx jackpot

- AFP

ATLANTA: World No. 2 Jordan Spieth says he will be targeting victory at the season- ending Tour Championsh­ip this week as he bids to pocket another multimilli­on-dollar jackpot. two years ago, has not yet registered a victory in the playoffs this year.

win the title without winning a tournament if he takes the FedEx Cup this week, and only the second player after Tiger Woods to win the title twice.

Spieth heads into Thursday’s Lake Golf Club in pole position to claim the $10 million bonus on offer to the winner of the FedEx Cup series, leading second placed Justin Thomas by 340 points.

That healthy points cushion second in Atlanta this week and still win the title, provided none of the week’s event.

Mathematic­ally, Spieth could even take the FedEx Cup title with as - ing on the performanc­es of his rivals.

The 24-year-old Texan however insists he will not be tempted into trying to play for position when the action begins on East Lake’s 7,385yard par-70 layout.

“If you start playing for position that’s when you take your foot off the gas pedal a little bit, and that’s not how we normally play,” Spieth said.

“I’m comfortabl­e at East Lake, and I’m in a great position.”

Spieth, who won the FedEx Cup

Conserving energy

Spieth finished 10 shots behind BMW Championsh­ip winner Marc round 65 has left the three- time major winner confident heading

“I was pumped to have the round I did on Sunday, to gain some momentum, to maintain the number one spot,” Spieth said. “I was a little bit off at the start of the week in my striking. But I feel pretty close right now to where I Things feel good. If this were a major championsh­ip I’d be pretty pleased with how things are feeling on the Tuesday.”

Spieth said the key to a success learning to conserve energy.

“In 2014 and 2016 I remember being completely worn out by the time I got to the Tour Championsh­ip,” Spieth said Tuesday.

“There’s a lot on the line. It’s essentiall­y a major after coming off a pretty hectic schedule in the last six or seven weeks.”

Spieth will partner close friend - ter is aiming to crown a successful season with victory in Atlanta after - ing a maiden major title at the PGA Championsh­ip.

Like Spieth, Thomas could win the FedEx Cup title with a top-three his rivals fare.

World number one Dustin Johnson meanwhile will aim to make up for his near- miss last sea- son, when he was pipped to the title by Rory McIlroy.

Johnson won the opening leg of the FedEx Cup when he beat Spieth in a playoff at the Northern Trust in New York last month. Since then though Johnson has failed to challenge, tying for 18th at the Dell Technologi­es before settling for a share of 33rd at the BMW Championsh­ip last weekend.

 ?? AFP PHOTO ?? Jordan Spieth hits his tee shot on the fourth hole during the third round of the BMW Championsh­ip at Conway Farms Golf Club on Sunday in Lake Forest, Illinois.
AFP PHOTO Jordan Spieth hits his tee shot on the fourth hole during the third round of the BMW Championsh­ip at Conway Farms Golf Club on Sunday in Lake Forest, Illinois.
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