Spieth should make the Scottish Open a priority
THERE can be no excuses if Jordan Spieth does not come to play in the Scottish Open at Dundonald Links.
Following his dramatic victory at the Travelers Championship last Sunday, there are no tournaments on his schedule until The Open.
But if he is serious about doing well at Royal Birkdale, he should get over to Scotland so he can get over the jet lag and get used to seaside conditions.
He would also have plenty of company. Fellow-Americans Patrick Reed, Rickie Fowler, Matt Kuchar and Jason Dufner have all committed to the Scottish Open.
With it forming part of the new Rolex Series on the European Tour, the prize fund is $7-million. That’s more than was on offer in Connecticut at Spieth’s last event.
So it should be a no-brainer to make this late change.
Links golf offers a different challenge and Jordan still needs to learn that. Obviously, he came close at St Andrews two years ago, but that isn’t a typical seaside test in the way Birkdale will be.
It’s windy in Texas where Spieth grew up, but that is not like the breezes you get on a links. You need to adjust to being buffeted around when you’re putting and to adapt to the slower greens.
He should be full of confidence, and the only way to maintain his momentum is to keep playing.
It’s easy to forget sometimes just how young he is as he’s been around for a few years now, but the Texan won’t be 24 until July 27.
He’s an exceptional young man, the spectators love him and he’s a big-occasion player.
To hole from a bunker to beat Daniel Berger in the play-off last Sunday was something only the very best can do. You either have it or you don’t, and Jordan does.
Jack Nicklaus was like that and we can all remember the times Tiger Woods pulled off the big shot or the big putt to win.
It was Spieth’s 10th win on the PGA Tour, including two Majors, and those are impressive figures. But the big thing for me is that he is still learning his craft.
There are huge improvements he can make in his driving. He’s only averaging 291 yards and his accuracy isn’t great, either.
What’s more, his putting this year hasn’t been at the same level of the last couple of seasons. If he can keep it a bit straighter off the tee and hole a few more putts, look out!
But what really sets him apart is his temperament. He’s one of those very few players who can post a good score when not playing well.
He’s never less than 100% focused on every shot as he has deep discussions with his loyal caddie, Michael Greller.
That attitude brings its rewards, and he would endear himself to the Scottish golfing public, as well as improve his chances of becoming Open Champion, if he teed it up at Dundonald.