Spieth struggles in first post-Masters round
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. — Jordan Spieth had a post-Masters letdown Thursday, shooting a 3-over-par 74 at the RBC Heritage to end his run of 16 straight rounds under par.
Spieth vowed that his whirlwind, two-day celebration tour of New York after winning the green jacket Sunday wouldn’t affect his focus. But it was apparent early on at Harbour Town that Spieth was not at his Augusta National best.
Spieth was visibly frustrated on the eighth hole when his second shot from pine straw landed well short of the green.
The 21- year- old Texan was eight shots behind leaders Graeme McDowell and Matt Every, who were at 5-under 66. Spieth will need significant improvement today to make his eighth consecutive cut.
“Got a good feeling about tomorrow,” Spieth said. “Feel like I got some swings in, got in somewhat of a rhythm and can at least go out and feel the shots. It was just an off day and it happens.”
It can happen more often after a few days like Spieth had.
He got into Sea Pines Resort late Tuesday night after about 25 appearances and interviews in New York, including an appearance with David Letterman and seeing the view atop the Empire State Building. He acknowledged that his preparation this week had suffered but vowed not to have the major hangover several champions have when playing so soon after such success.
Spieth was greeted by a large gallery on the first tee, crowds five and six deep stretching cellphones to snap pictures and get video footage. “Way to go, Jordan!” someone shouted after his tee shot.
The applause continued throughout the round, and while Spieth appreciated the sentiment he had difficulty concentrating on his game.
“I was upset about missing the green and then there was a standing ovation walking up,” he said. “It’s like, ‘Thank you. I just hit a terrible shot. Thanks.’ So it was kind of tough to find the balance there.”
McDowell, though, found his game on the layout’s tight fairways and small greens. He had six birdies after an opening bogey to move in front.
“It was great to feel comfortable out there today, see my lines, hit my speeds and make a few putts,” said McDowell, who has not won on tour since taking this title in 2013.
Every had birdies on four of his final eight holes, including a 50- foot chip- in on the sixth hole and a 20- foot chip- in on the seventh, to tie McDowell. Every stayed in the lead when he chipped to with a foot of the eighth hole to save par.