Spieth is backed to dominate like Tiger Tally of majors in double figures possible, says Els

Four-time major winner Ernie Els believes new Open champion Jordan Spieth could emulate Tiger Woods and take his tally into double figures.

The American is three-quarters of the way to the career Grand Slam, joining 18-time major winner Jack Nicklaus in becoming one of just two players to win three majors before the age of 24.

“Who knows where he’s going to end. He could go really big. He can go up to the 14 mark of majors,” said the South African, winner of two Opens and two US Opens.

“When you get on a roll like that, guys kind of start knowing that you know how to win – almost like Tiger, where people can maybe feel like they can’t do it against Jordan because he’s been up there a few times now.

“Myself in 1995 I had a three-shot lead going to the PGA and couldn’t get it done. In 1996 I missed out with another very narrow loss (at the Open).

“I kind of stalled, I only got four, but if you get the momentum going the other way you can go win a boatload.”

Australian Adam Scott threw away a four-shot lead at Royal Lytham in 2012 to hand the Claret Jug to Els, but bounced back to win his first major nine months later at the Masters.

The 37-year-old says Spieth’s experiences give him a significant advantage over his rivals. “I think he’s an incredibly gifted golfer, a phenomenal player and he’s 23 right now?” said the Australian.

“He manages his game as good as the most experienced pro out here, and for a 23-year-old that’s so impressive.

“He’s a great competitor and I think he has already built many great experiences leading (tournaments).

“He’s going to be in that position a lot more times and he’s going to win a lot, and he’ll probably lose one or two more when he’s in that position because golf just doesn’t go your way every time.”

Meanwhile, 2015 Open champion Zach Johnson, himself a two-time major champion, watched from the back of the green as Spieth closed out his victory and was then presented with the Claret Jug.

He believes his compatriot is now right in the frame to be the next person to complete the career Grand Slam with rivals Rory McIlroy needing the Masters (in April) and Phil Mickelson the US Open (June).

“He’s got a better chance than most. It would be phenomenal, especially given the depth and parity of the game,” said Johnson, who shared a house in Southport with Spieth, Jason Dufner, Rickie Fowler and Justin Thomas.

“That being said, two years ago he nearly did the same thing (winning the Masters and US Open, finishing tied fourth in the Open and second in the US PGA in the same year).

“It’s easier said than done but Rory, Jordan, they never cease to amaze me.

“I’m not going to say they’re Tiger Woods, because they’re not. That’s the best athlete golfer I’ve ever witnessed.

“But they have some of those intangibles. They’re hard to pinpoint but those guys have them.

“It’s not like Jordan is out there obliterating the golf course with prowess, he hits it plenty far and pretty straight, his short game is a joke and he’s mature beyond his years.”

“He can go up to the 14 mark of majors. ERNIE ELS