Spieth only fears elite comparisons
SOUTHPORT, England — Jordan Spieth was happy enough to see his name on the claret jug without wondering where he fit in among the rest of the British Open champions whose names are engraved on the oldest trophy in golf.
In that respect, nothing has changed.
Spieth wasn’t keen on comparisons when he became the youngest Masters champion since Tiger Woods, the youngest U.S. Open champion since Bobby Jones or the youngest to win two majors since Gene Sarazen. And now that Jack Nicklaus is part of the conversation, he shies away from them even more.
Spieth and Nicklaus are the only players to capture the third leg of the Grand Slam at age 23.
“I’ll be careful with my answer,” Spieth said Sunday when asked about his place among the greats. “It’s amazing. I feel blessed to be able to play the game I love, but I don’t think comparisons . . . I don’t compare myself. And I don’t think that they’re appropriate or necessary. So to be in that company no doubt is absolutely incredible, and I certainly appreciate it.”
To hear his name listed in such elite company is merely a reward from the work he put in to get there.
“But I’m very careful as to what that means going forward,” he said, “Because what those guys have done has transcended the sport. And in no way, shape or form do I think I’m anywhere near that whatsoever. So it’s a good start, but there is a long way to go.”
More than winning at Royal Birkdale was the manner in which Spieth did it. Even though he already has 11 victories on the PGA Tour, including his three majors, he does not bring intimidation to the first tee. Geoff Ogilvy spoke to that two years ago.
“He beats you with better golf. He doesn’t beat you because he hits it further,” Ogilvy said. “Tiger’s intimidation was that he always did something amazing. Jordan doesn’t beat you with a crazy par, or a crazy chipin. He just beats you because he’s better.”