Jordan Spieth goes into the U.S. Open as one of the favorites, underlining what a stellar rise the 20-year-old has had in the game of golf. This time last year his was a name that barely registered in talk about potential major winners.
Pinehurst prospect —
Jordan Spieth goes into the U.S. Open as one of the favorites, underlining what a stellar rise the 20-year-old has had in the game of golf. This time last year his was a name that barely registered in talk about potential major winners.
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Spieth's victory at the John Deere Classic in July 2013 saw him become the youngest winner on the PGA Tour for 82 years and catapulted him into the limelight. Aged just 19, he did something that neither Tiger Woods nor Rory McIlroy managed to accomplish.
Tour triumph —
Spieth's victory at the John Deere Classic in July 2013 saw him become the youngest winner on the PGA Tour for 82 years and catapulted him into the limelight. Aged just 19, he did something that neither Tiger Woods nor Rory McIlroy managed to accomplish.
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Spieth was soon mixing in illustrious company, gaining a captain's pick for the 2013 Presidents Cup in his rookie season as the United States Team beat their International counterparts 18½ - 15½.
The President's men —
Spieth was soon mixing in illustrious company, gaining a captain's pick for the 2013 Presidents Cup in his rookie season as the United States Team beat their International counterparts 18½ - 15½.
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If Spieth was nervous about his first start in the Masters he didn't show it, carding three solid rounds to secure a place in the final grouping on Sunday alongside 2012 champion Bubba Watson.
Masters debut —
If Spieth was nervous about his first start in the Masters he didn't show it, carding three solid rounds to secure a place in the final grouping on Sunday alongside 2012 champion Bubba Watson.
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Spieth carded four birdies on the front nine of his final round to capture the lead from Watson. Though he fell away down the stretch to eventually finish in a tie for second, his goal for 2014 of contending in majors had been achieved at the first attempt.
The final hurdle —
Spieth carded four birdies on the front nine of his final round to capture the lead from Watson. Though he fell away down the stretch to eventually finish in a tie for second, his goal for 2014 of contending in majors had been achieved at the first attempt.
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Spieth and Germany's Martin Kaymer shared the lead going into the final round of May's Players Championship -- golf's unofficial fifth major -- but he eventually finished fourth after rain interrupted Sunday's play.
Players near miss —
Spieth and Germany's Martin Kaymer shared the lead going into the final round of May's Players Championship -- golf's unofficial fifth major -- but he eventually finished fourth after rain interrupted Sunday's play.
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