Spieth tees up his chances at Masters

JORDAN Spieth insists if he plays his best golf at Augusta next week he can “take down” any rival – including world No.1 Dustin Johnson – and capture a second Masters title.

The current world No.6 is contesting this week’s Shell Houston Open in the second of what will be three events in succession up to and including next week’s first Major of the year.

The Texan believes his performances improve the more he plays and this is no more evident than the past two years leading to Augusta.

In 2015, Spieth was second in both Lone Star State events before winning a first Masters title a week later.

Then, last year, the American finished T15th and T9th in his two events before the Masters and went to Augusta only to implode while leading mid-round on the last day and allow Sheffield’s Danny Willett through to win by three shots.

“Historically I’ve played better golf the second, third and fourth week in a row. You kind of get the kinks out playing the week before,” said Spieth. “I’ve done that for two of the four Majors and yes, while I’ve had the week off before the US Open the past few years, we won one there.”

However, while Spieth won in 2015 and was runner-up last year, Johnson will be a clear favourite for most observers next week after winning the two World Golf Championship events in the space of three weeks.