SPIETH: RORY RIVALRY IS SO MUCH FUN

Spieth dreams of a battle with Rory that can last for years

JORDAN SPIETH wants to take on swashbuckling Rory Mcilroy in a Sunday showdown for the US PGA title – and continue their rivalry for the next 25 years.

The “free-rolling” American claimed he is still basking in the glory of his Open triumph and feels no extra pressure to complete his career Grand Slam this week.

But he reckons Mcilroy, the favoured horse for the Quail Hollow course, is the “one to fear” if he gets his nose in front. He showed his power yesterday by smashing a drive over 350 yards and out of the driving range.

On Tuesday, the Ulsterman praised the Texan’s “resilience” to bounce back from adversity as he displayed in his stunning final six holes at Royal Birkdale.

And Spieth, the other golfing superstar of the post-tiger era, responded with praise of his own before the final Major of the season.

“Rory is very difficult in a one-onone type situation because he’s not afraid to hit the shot,” he said.

“He plays so aggressively, and that’s what you have to do to win. You’re going to lose some tournaments because of it, but you’re going to win a lot more than playing any other way.

“If you’re matched up on Sunday, and you get to choose somebody, you want to be able to play against somebody like Rory who has four Major championships and is one of the top couple of mostaccomplished players in this field.

“But he is one to fear in that position because of what he’s capable of doing and how he’s going to do it.

“It’s cool we’ve had the success we’ve had at such a young age, and the coolest part about it is the question of, what’s it going to be like for the next 20, 25 years.

“And that’s what is the exciting part when we think about it, too. We’re friendly with each other and really want each other to do well because it does push each other, just like all the young players.”

The American conjured a stunning finish at Royal Birkdale to join Jack Nicklaus in winning three different Major titles before the age of 24. The world No.2 can become only the sixth man to win all four Majors before Mcilroy – and the youngest.

But the Texan insisted: “Expectations, I really don’t feel any. I’m here, so I’m going to go ahead and try.

‘‘But I believe I’m going to have plenty of chances, and I’m young enough to believe in my abilities that it will happen at some point.

“Do I have to be the youngest? No, I don’t feel that kind of pressure. Would it be really cool? Absolutely.

“There will be pressure. This is a Major championship. I’m simply stating there won’t be added expectations or pressure.

“It’s not a burning desire to have to be the youngest to do something, and that would be the only reason there would be added expectations.

“But it was only two weeks ago I was able to get the third leg, and that’s so fresh in my mind. I’m freerolling. And it feels good.

“I’m about as kind of free and relaxed at a Major as I think I’ve ever felt.

“Maybe since arriving at Chambers Bay in 2015 after the Masters and just almost like I’ve accomplished something so great this year that anything else that happens, I can accept.

“It takes that pressure away.”