So to this, the wonderkid’s greatest challenge so far. Jordan Spieth probably lacks the panache, charisma or even mean streak to single-handedly haul golf into a new era. However, the narrative post-Tiger Woods, benefits from such an impressive collection of contenders in this, the 80th Masters, that you can only hope it does not end in anticlimax.
What the brilliant young Texan can instigate is the continuation of his own, epic story of success. Should Spieth prevail at Augusta National on Sunday, for what would be a second year in succession and a third major out of five, the 22-year-old would be reinstated as the most significant figure in golf. It would be an incredible achievement, the scale of which perhaps kicks it toward the realm of the unlikely.
History demonstrates precisely what Spieth must overcome in the next four days. It illustrates the level of illustrious company he would join if donning the Green Jacket once more. Only three players – Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods – have their names in the record books as consecutive Masters winners. Further context arises from the fact that in the tournament’s history defending champions have missed the cut nine times.
Part of Spieth’s appeal lies in the relish with which he defies convention. His glory in 2015 was notable enough, without doing so by destroying the field to such an extent the 79th Masters was effectively a chase for second place by Friday lunchtime.
Needless to say, it was not supposed to be this way. The average age of first‑time champions is more than 31; Spieth was a decade younger. He could break yet another record this time around by usurping the youngest second-time winner, Nicklaus, who was 25 and two months in 1965.
Spieth’s challenge is more obvious than breaching protocol and on two fronts. If the level of expectancy is not a hindrance – and Spieth insists that is the case – then the standards set by him could quite easily be. That is a basic by-product of the year Spieth had in swatting aside all others with recurring glee. There is no overt suggestion 2015 was an exception to Spieth’s rule but setting such standards, and achieving such consistency, at a formative stage of a lengthy career represents a significant mental challenge. That Woods could overcome as much so readily was one thing that set him apart from all others of his generation.
Spieth has also shown signs of fatigue in the early part of this season. His pursuit of a global tour through the winter was admirable – if not undertaken at the behest of a cash‑chasing management firm – but had drawbacks.
It has taken Spieth longer than he would have anticipated to grasp a modicum of momentum. His frustration at on-course fluctuation has been glaring, including last week in Houston. Spieth’s putting as supposedly the only perfectly-functioning aspect of his game has been routinely overstated but when it has not been on hand to save him, as we have seen recently, problems have arisen.
Spieth thereby arrived in Georgia while desperately seeking inspiration. He arrived at the perfect place. If two Masters appearances, showing tied second and a first, do not provide impetus then nothing will. He is an incredible sportsman; a player who sauntered on to the Old Course at tea time on Monday of Open week last July, having never set eyes on St Andrews before and by the following Sunday had played to within one stroke of a championship play-off.
Spieth’s ferocious will to win, an aspect of his make-up that conjures memories of Woods, could reasonably be enough to haul him back to winning form at Augusta. But it must be a longer shot than bookmakers suggest.
If body language is an indicator of imminent performance, Rory McIlroy’s opportunity here is the strongest yet. His demeanour is of someone who sees no impediment to victory. That McIlroy speaks so openly about a belief of a Masters win because of a tailor-made golf game is to his credit; entrants have been weighed down by such expectancy year on year. McIlroy’s aim? To now walk the walk.
Jason Day’s willingness to embrace the attention bestowed on the world No1 is similarly endearing. Day, like McIlroy, has a high and long ball flight that every expert suggests must lead all the way to the Butler Cabin at some juncture. And yet, there is still an anxiety around the Australian that prompts fears he may cherish an Augusta victory a little too much.
The depth of talent in Georgia is superbly strong. Cases can be made for up to 20 players. Included in that group is Phil Mickelson who, at 45, is enjoying a career renaissance. Bubba Watson started this week afflicted by a sinus problem, the only warning sign to offset victory marches from 2012 and 2014.
McIlroy aside, Europe’s curious run – dating back to 1999 and the last time one of its member donned the Green Jacket – may be ended by Henrik Stenson, Justin Rose or Paul Casey. Sergio García has endured a love-hate relationship with Augusta and the failure to claim any major gnaws at the Spaniard but his style has merit here. The South African challenge, featuring Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel and Branden Grace, is to be respected. Day’s compatriot, Adam Scott, is well capable of winning another Masters; and knows it.
Forecasts – changeable though they are – suggest a damp Masters start, followed by cold air and blustery winds. Those engaging in the business of golf and gambling would ignore those nuances at their peril.
Spieth will be fully aware of every possible hurdle; they may even excite him. Fascination attached to his pursuit of greatness is matched only by the desire of others to stretch golf away from a one-man storyline. Even by towering Masters standards, this could be quite a spectacle.
