Jordan Spieth

FixdePitchmark

He deserves a thread at this stage.

http://www.owgr.com/Ranking/PlayerProfile.aspx?playerID=14636


But - I'll put my hands up and say.

We all knew he was good, but does golf and fans deserve a bit of a wake up (we got it) , that the Tiger and Rory show hid us from what was in front of us. Were we a bit blinded ?

No, in fairness Rory is world number 1 - remarkable the path he is on. The Tiger thing has been the feature of every event for the last - what, 5 years.

But I feel the (i before e) Spieth has caught the golf community off guard a little
?

We knew he was good - but not as big a build up as Rory etc ?

Or has this sudden double - just been out of the blue for most ? Even for Jordan.

A double at 21 years of age. (Ohhh My God as Jordan Alexander would say)

Lots of questions there - but I'm still catching up with what has gone on.

schemingbohemia

My main hope for him is that the stops using "We" when talking about himself, drives me mental. We're in a great place now, we've done lots of work to get here blah blah blah

FixdePitchmark

I don't like his talking, his, can you "believe that", sort of stuff. His reaction is over the top to bad breaks etc.

But, I'm not use to him yet.

Clearly it is working, I may try some of it (lol)


No, was at putting green other day - a lad was trying the putting method. Not sure I could handle every golfer thinking they are Jordan on the putting greens (Lol)

the lawman

What I find really impressive about him is even though he is such a fierce competitor he has a real aura of class about him. Got his feet firmly on the ground and cannot ever see him losing that.

I'm used to seeing golf champions with a lot of brashness and XFactor for want of a better phrase but he's almost the opposite. But it doesn't diminish how he plays and fights for every stroke.

It's very impressive and I like to think of him as a golfer of yester year where he plays the sport with respect and class on his sleeve.

He's very impressive all round and he'll win a shed load of majors no doubt.

FixdePitchmark

That is interesting the lawman.

Because in an age of The Internet, The X-Factor and The Kardashians - that is almost "not cool".

Also - if he even mentions God , he is in for a tough ride.

Agree - it seems like a step back in time.

But - be warned , he is still very very young and almost innocent. Part of America and top schools create kids like that to a dozen.

It is almost another culture.

Interesting clash ahead.

Milkers

Only two players have ever won the US Junior amateur more than once, Woods and Spieth. So he is a legit prodigy. For some reason there has just never been that much hype around him which is kind of nice.

FixdePitchmark

A couple of interesting factors - I'm sure Golf journalists will get a great few articles out of this.

But Rory was Irish - Rory was a manufactured golf star on tv from ?
Strange thing to say - But Tiger was a different race to norm, tiger was a commercial idea for Nike.

Or even, is it another sign that Golf is on a slippery slope, that the star of the future was almost forgotten ?

Maybe - there is no sign at all.

But this is different.

slave1

At such a young age he's very aggressive, already focused on the majors and big events, great to see, if he can continue to putt like that it will be great to see, he's kinda a slightly longer Luke Donald except can step it up (no disrespect to Luke)...

mickmackey1

His maturity is unbelievable, 21 going on 41 and even now seems more 'complete' than the other two.

Safer off the tee than Tiger and greater application and consistency than Rory. Does Rory even have a burning desire to prevent him from reaching number one? Tiger would have been furious at this threat, but Rory may have a more easygoing attitude towards it all.

I certainly hope he wins the Open, that would give the PGA a more unique atmosphere than any tournament in history.

Russman

I like him, he does come across as a class act.
But IMHO he's nowhere near Rory's level as a golfer. He's probably way more consistent and will pick up plenty of wins, but, again only IMO, him and Rory playing at their best, Rory wins 8 or 9 times out of 10. Sport needs rivalries and let's be honest, tiger v Rory just isn't going to happen much, whereas you can see Spieth and Rory and some of the others going head to head for the next 10 years.

He's a breath of fresh air in that he does the important part of golf, scoring, well, without seeming to do any singular aspect bar putting particularly well. Something in that for all of us to learn from I guess. No room on the card for pictures !

slave1

Fair point but golf in not about being at your best, it's about winning when not at your best e.g. Rory at the matchplay earlier this year.
Chances of two or three golfer at their best at the same time at the same tournament are v low IMHO

alxmorgan

From his Wiki page re his sister:

" Ellie has grown up with disabilities and Spieth has credited her with keeping him grounded and focused as well as keeping the game of golf in perspective"

Remember hearing this before. Might have something to do with the maturity.

yipsnomore

mickmackey1 wrote: »

Does Rory even have a burning desire to prevent him from reaching number one?

Don't doubt it for a second. Rory knows his putting is a huge problem. It will be a big focus for him into St Andrews.

As for Spieth, what a super player, BUT has anyone in the game maintained a putting streak like the one he is on at the moment? When it ends what level will he settle to?

HighLine

Massive fan of Jordan... unbelievable talent and exceptional classy/principled.

Noted on here about 2 years ago what a phenomenal talent Jordan was and how I was looking forward to him and Rory going head to head... well, coming to fruition nicely now and what a great prospect for golf over the next few years that is.

stockdam

Sorry but I just don't warm to him at all. I find him boring to watch but hopefully he'll grow on me.

FixdePitchmark

http://www.pgatour.com/players/player.34046.jordan-spieth.html/statistics


I know not all are fans of stats - but here they are. If you don't want to look at them here are some key items.

1) Tee To Green
Jordan Rank 3 - Rory Rank 1

2) Green in Regulation
Jordan Rank 47 - Rory Rank 6

3) Scoring Average
Jordan Rank 1 (68.9) - Rory Rank 2 (69.1)

4) Long game (200 yards to 275 yards)
Jordan average Rank 43 - Rory average Rank 10

5) Approach from 50 to 200 yard (average) (sample low for Rory - but poor figures like Rank 180 in some).
Jordan average Rank 80 - Rory average Rank 121

6) Sand and Scambling
Sand
Jordan Rank 26 - Rory Rank 3

Scambling
Jordan Rank 6 - Rory Rank 91

7) Putting
Strokes Gained
Jordan Rank 19 (.544) - Rory Rank 66 (.171)
Putting Average (overall)
Jordan Rank 4 - Rory Rank 133

And after all that - their scoring is very very close.

The key from looking at all the stats
Rory better long game - but Jordan good too.
Rory Hits more greens - but ends up slightly further away from pin and scrambles less (as a result)
Jordan is a much better scrambler
Rory has very poor approach figures in some of the mid range game. (50 to 200 yards)
Jordan putts much better overall.

You do have to realise looking at above, Rory is hitting more greens.

I know Rory has had much golf in Europe etc. But Jordan plays much much more competitive golf in US - 17 events , versus Rory 8.

So more stats for Jordan - but reasonable sample of (26 rounds) for Rory in that.

sky88

One of things I find that spieth has over he seems to get closer to pin then Rory does. I always find Rory when he's not on top form he's too far away and his putting can't get him holing it

Dolph Starbeam

I did expect him to be good but not quite this good, 2 majors, 2 more PGA Tour wins, Ryder Cup and President Cup and still only 21.

schemingbohemia wrote: »

My main hope for him is that the stops using "We" when talking about himself, drives me mental. We're in a great place now, we've done lots of work to get here blah blah blah

I don't see the problem with that, a lot of players say 'we', and honestly I find it nice that he does appreciate his caddy so much. He also praised his caddy for keeping him positive when things weren't going well over the weekend.


Drive for show, putt for dough.

DuckSlice

I'm a long time follower of Spieth and knew he had the potential! I had him backed in every major last year as I thought he would win one last year, don't have the cash to be betting at the moment and he wins two majors! Typical.

Mashie

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

I know not all are fans of stats - but here they are. If you don't want to look at them here are some key items.

1) Tee To Green
Jordan Rank 3 - Rory Rank 1

2) Green in Regulation
Jordan Rank 47 - Rory Rank 6

3) Scoring Average
Jordan Rank 1 (68.9) - Rory Rank 2 (69.1)

4) Long game (200 yards to 275 yards)
Jordan average Rank 43 - Rory average Rank 10

5) Approach from 50 to 200 yard (average) (sample low for Rory - but poor figures like Rank 180 in some).
Jordan average Rank 80 - Rory average Rank 121

6) Sand and Scambling
Sand
Jordan Rank 26 - Rory Rank 3

Scambling
Jordan Rank 6 - Rory Rank 91

7) Putting
Strokes Gained
Jordan Rank 19 (.544) - Rory Rank 66 (.171)
Putting Average (overall)
Jordan Rank 4 - Rory Rank 133

And after all that - their scoring is very very close.

The key from looking at all the stats
Rory better long game - but Jordan good too.
Rory Hits more greens - but ends up slightly further away from pin and scrambles less (as a result)
Jordan is a much better scrambler
Rory has very poor approach figures in some of the mid range game. (50 to 200 yards)
Jordan putts much better overall.

You do have to realise looking at above, Rory is hitting more greens.

I know Rory has had much golf in Europe etc. But Jordan plays much much more competitive golf in US - 17 events , versus Rory 8.

So more stats for Jordan - but reasonable sample of (26 rounds) for Rory in that.

Yeah I couldn't believe that for Chambers Bay both Rory +Jordan were both ranked 15th for putting. It just seems that every time Rory had a Birdie putt it wouldn't go in while you knew when Spieth was over a long birdie putt there was only one place it was going....

TrapperChamonix

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

http://www.pgatour.com/players/player.34046.jordan-spieth.html/statistics


I know not all are fans of stats - but here they are. If you don't want to look at them here are some key items.

1) Tee To Green
Jordan Rank 3 - Rory Rank 1

2) Green in Regulation
Jordan Rank 47 - Rory Rank 6

3) Scoring Average
Jordan Rank 1 (68.9) - Rory Rank 2 (69.1)

4) Long game (200 yards to 275 yards)
Jordan average Rank 43 - Rory average Rank 10

5) Approach from 50 to 200 yard (average) (sample low for Rory - but poor figures like Rank 180 in some).
Jordan average Rank 80 - Rory average Rank 121

6) Sand and Scambling
Sand
Jordan Rank 26 - Rory Rank 3

Scambling
Jordan Rank 6 - Rory Rank 91

7) Putting
Strokes Gained
Jordan Rank 19 (.544) - Rory Rank 66 (.171)
Putting Average (overall)
Jordan Rank 4 - Rory Rank 133

And after all that - their scoring is very very close.

The key from looking at all the stats
Rory better long game - but Jordan good too.
Rory Hits more greens - but ends up slightly further away from pin and scrambles less (as a result)
Jordan is a much better scrambler
Rory has very poor approach figures in some of the mid range game. (50 to 200 yards)
Jordan putts much better overall.

You do have to realise looking at above, Rory is hitting more greens.

I know Rory has had much golf in Europe etc. But Jordan plays much much more competitive golf in US - 17 events , versus Rory 8.

So more stats for Jordan - but reasonable sample of (26 rounds) for Rory in that.

Is there a stat for between the ears? Cause (not withstanding his tee shot on the 17th) that's what impresses me most.

BigChap1759

schemingbohemia wrote: »

My main hope for him is that the stops using "We" when talking about himself, drives me mental. We're in a great place now, we've done lots of work to get here blah blah blah

Is he not talking about himself and his caddy ie they are a team??

mickmackey1

BigChap1759 wrote: »

Is he not talking about himself and his caddy ie they are a team??

Yeah I'd agree. Greller seems to be a sort of sports psychologist for Jordan as well as caddy, so I wouldn't knock it.

Potential Underachiever

Big fan of Spieth, classy guy classy player, he's just so solid without ever being that spectacular.

2 majors out of 2 really takes some doing, his putting is just unreal too!

Also not sure why anyone is bothered by him talking to his ball, he's just passionate and sort of lives every shot another good quality imo.

FWVT

The boy's won a few quid. Could easily top $20 million this season if he gets the FedEx $10 Milliion top-up

Letree

yipsnomore wrote: »

Don't doubt it for a second. Rory knows his putting is a huge problem. It will be a big focus for him into St Andrews.

As for Spieth, what a super player, BUT has anyone in the game maintained a putting streak like the one he is on at the moment? When it ends what level will he settle to?

I agree, he can't expect to continue sinking the kind of puts he has been over the last few months.

FWVT

Letree wrote: »

I agree, he can't expect to continue sinking the kind of puts he has been over the last few months.

Why not? A good putter is a good putter. Tiger in his prime made the putts that counted, and did it for years and years until the wheels came off.

FixdePitchmark

FWVT wrote: »

Why not? A good putter is a good putter. Tiger in his prime made the putts that counted, and did it for years and years until the wheels came off.

Was thinking about that during the week (when working out Jordan). You can forget how good Tiger was at putting. Sure that drilling in the short and medium stuff was almost a new idea for putting.

Tiger was an unreal putter.

BigChap1759

Letree wrote: »

I agree, he can't expect to continue sinking the kind of puts he has been over the last few months.

I just think that he is the best putter out there and if Rory's banking on his level dropping I think he might end up sorely disappointed.

yipsnomore

BigChap1759 wrote: »

I just think that he is the best putter out there and if Rory's banking on his level dropping I think he might end up sorely disappointed.

He is making almost every putt that counts. I'm not saying he can't keep that up. But bar Tiger I'm not sure I've seen someone who has. I doubt Rory is banking that level will drop. However at a guess id say improving his own putting by 50% from inside 10 ft would have won him that US open.

ionadnapokot

schemingbohemia wrote: »

My main hope for him is that the stops using "We" when talking about himself, drives me mental. We're in a great place now, we've done lots of work to get here blah blah blah

id rather listen to that ahead of McDowell!! He drives me Mental. I have to turn the sound off when he pops up!

Speak Now

Really like the guy, in fact prefer him to McIlroy. Rivalry slowly building, they hold the 4 majors between them so looking forward to their first Sunday back 9 major clash.

Norfolk Enchants_

Fix you're a gas ticket, I'm already looking forward to the "is Spieth finished" thread when he doesn't win the British.

Domo1982

Norfolk Enchants_ wrote: »

Fix you're a gas ticket, I'm already looking forward to the "is Spieth finished" thread when he doesn't win the British.

Or the is he better that Jack thread if he wins the Open.

ionadnapokot

Domo1982 wrote: »

Or the is he better that Jack thread if he wins the Open.

What do u mean if? Nailed on..Legend :pac:

FixdePitchmark

Norfolk Enchants_ wrote: »

Fix you're a gas ticket, I'm already looking forward to the "is Spieth finished" thread when he doesn't win the British.

Sure Norfolk - I almost started a, is Norfolk finished thread ? - got touch and go there for a while :P:cool:

You can never take the King out of The Kingdom.

Keano

Fun over. Back on topic please!

Boskowski

How dare anyone having fun here. This is a serious discussion forum.

SaveOurLyric

From April 2015.

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

Speith real deal.

SaveOurLyric wrote: »

That is generally the impression of a young guy winning his first major. Fuzzy even here at Augusta. And remember Bobby Clampett or the Spanish guy (Garcia was it?) - people counting the majors when all they had were near misses.
Which is not to say Spieth will join that cohort. But jury out on him for the moment for me.

Good call on Spieth. I certainly didnt think we would see him up there so quickly again. And certainly ups him a notch for me.

I am still not fully convinced though that he is the real deal in terms of heading for too many majors. His resilience is excellent and is something Rory could learn from. But I just dont think his long and short game is really top of the world stuff. His putting is very good, but I dont feel a top top putter ever has the same edge over the field as the top top long game or top top shortgame players.

Nevertheless, looking forward to The Open like a child before Christmas to see how he does !

Imagine if after all the Tiger hype, and taking golf to a new level, Spieth went on the win the slam! Well roger me rigid with a radish.

FixdePitchmark

Good post SOL.

As you can see, I'm a litltle dysleixic - and can never get i-e.

But - I was never convinced that he had it in the heat, same with Dustin.

but lads - let us all be honest - in golf right now, who has ?


I was looking at Oosthuizen and Schwartzel for a while, thinking this is it. Then ..............

I think Jordan has done better than he should. That seems a harsh thing to say - but he has picked his wins up with an exceptional performance and the 2nd one, embarrassingly easy.
Tiger was another level,
Rory asleep at the wheel and has motivation issues

Golf a bit weaker than it should be to be honest.

Axel Lamp

Irish Times article on Spieth and Under Armour

newport2

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

Good post SOL.

As you can see, I'm a litltle dysleixic - and can never get i-e.

But - I was never convinced that he had it in the heat, same with Dustin.

but lads - let us all be honest - in golf right now, who has ?


I was looking at Oosthuizen and Schwartzel for a while, thinking this is it. Then ..............

I think Jordan has done better than he should. That seems a harsh thing to say - but he has picked his wins up with an exceptional performance and the 2nd one, embarrassingly easy.
Tiger was another level,
Rory asleep at the wheel and has motivation issues

Golf a bit weaker than it should be to be honest.

Spieth is a great putter and does everything else pretty steady. No weaknesses, which when all added up puts him ahead of the rest quite often. I think if Rory putts well, he'll beat Spieth hands down, but with Rory being such a streaky putter it makes for interesting viewing ahead.

What most impressed me about Spieth's US Open win was how he had it in the bag, nearly blew it and lost the lead with a double on the 17th, only to step up on the 18th and deliver 2 shots out of the top drawer in the final hole of a major. He's tougher than I gave him credit for.

Miley Byrne

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

I think Jordan has done better than he should. That seems a harsh thing to say - but he has picked his wins up with an exceptional performance and the 2nd one, embarrassingly easy.

Are you saying the win last week was "embarrassingly easy"? A double bogey on the 71st hole and a birdie on the last to win would suggest it was anything but easy.

tomaussie

Interesting that nobody has talked mentality.

He seems to be streets ahead in his winning mentality.

When others appear to be wobbling when close to the finish line, he appears to live for it and embrace it.

Like most individual sports, a lot of players have similar talent and ability. What really separates a player, in my opinion, is the ability to win.

He strikes me as a player who relishes the chance to win. Currently on tour there are many many players who just completely lose the plot when they are in a position to win.

Speith is a champion and I'd love to see him at the top for the next 20 years.

I love sportsmen who play to win and can cope with winning. I miss Tiger but Jordan will allow me to enjoy watching golf for a good few more years yet.

newport2

tomaussie wrote: »

Interesting that nobody has talked mentality.

I did!

newport2 wrote: »

What most impressed me about Spieth's US Open win was how he had it in the bag, nearly blew it and lost the lead with a double on the 17th, only to step up on the 18th and deliver 2 shots out of the top drawer in the final hole of a major. He's tougher than I gave him credit for.

getoffthepot

Big fan of Spieth. He's a winner - great competitor.
Caddies call him 'The Golden child'

ionadnapokot

In his last 20 worldwide starts Spieth has claimed six wins, 11 top-three places, 14 top-10s and more than $9m.
This is approaching Tiger 2000-01 form. Will be fascinating to see him at Andrews. He is justifiably fav, but It would be unbelievable if he could win the Brit Open with vlittle links experience.

ionadnapokot

Another good stat:
Jordan Spieth was T101st after the 1st round this week Only player last 6 seasons to be outside top-100 after any round and win.

ThunderCat

ionadnapokot wrote: »

In his last 20 worldwide starts Spieth has claimed six wins, 11 top-three places, 14 top-10s and more than $9m.
This is approaching Tiger 2000-01 form. Will be fascinating to see him at Andrews. He is justifiably fav, but It would be unbelievable if he could win the Brit Open with vlittle links experience.

I think his victory at chambers bay will do him the world of good in that regard. It played very links like that week.

Senecio

ThunderCat wrote: »

I think his victory at chambers bay will do him the world of good in that regard. It played very links like that week.

That and his victory at the Australian Open last year in very Links like conditions.

ionadnapokot

Not sure that qualifies as good BOpen links prep lads. Im no expert on links golf but Chambers Bay is a man made links type golf course (greens "pure fescue" etc) and judging by the pictures, the Australian open didnt look much like a BOpen links.