With the first major of the year wrapping up yesterday we’re set to see who’s going to set fire to the golfing world. Starting with the Masters. Heading into Augusta last week everyone had their eyes on a select few players that could potentially win this years Masters. While Spieth was one of those names being passed around nobody expected him to torch the field in the manner that he did. Spieth not only dominated but he smashed records on his way to his first win at Augusta. The 21-year-old Texan set the 36 hole scoring record at -14 under par, the 54 hole scoring record at -16 under par, and finally he tied the 72 hole scoring record at -18 under par matching him with Tiger Woods (1997). Spieth also was the first person since 1976 to go wire to wire at Augusta (Ray Floyd), while also being the first person 21 or younger to go wire to wire at a major since Walter Hagen did it at the 1914 US Open. Spieth also added a little icing on the cake by breaking the record for most birdies in a Masters previously held by Phil Mickelson. No big deal for the kid really.
Spieth’s seemingly masterful grip on Augusta National is head scratching to many in the golf world. Augusta is a course that requires experience and knowledge of every minuscule detail to hit the appropriate shot. Not only was Spieth leaving himself in the proper position with his approach shots to the green, he was making the putt at a high rate. Sure we’ve all see golfers become seemingly unbeatable at certain courses; Tiger at Torrey Pines, Tiger at Bay Hill are some good examples of absolute dominance. Spieth has 8 competitive rounds at Augusta National and he’s never shot over par. He’s been in the final pairing each of the four rounds he’s played on the weekend at Augusta. He even held the lead in the middle of Amen Corner last year but a wayward shot into the water on No. 12 cost him a shot at the green jacket. Spieth has shown that he plays Augusta better than any current player on the tour. Augusta has been known to set up for big hitters in years past. Watson wining twice in the past 3 years is a solid example of that. That’s not how Spieth won this year though. He won with precision iron shots and a putter so hot he set the greens on fire.
Spieth has just put himself into one of the highest of circles in the game of golf. However I fully expect him to jump to the absolute highest. Moving into No. 2 in the world by winning this weekend is just the beginning. This kid is going to put serious pressure on Rory because he finds a way to win when his game isn’t at it’s best. People have always said that Rory needs perfect conditions to win tournaments with his game at its peak. Spieth can win with his A game or his B game and that’s why I think he’s the next great one of this generation.