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Jordan rules: Spieth dominates Masters at age 21
AUGUSTA, Ga. – It was only fitting, here in this place where manners never have become outdated, that a young man as gracious and likable as Jordan Spieth would become the second youngest Masters champion.
The 21-year old Texan won the respect of competitors and patrons alike for his equal parts competitive composure and cordial demeanor in becoming only the fifth champion to lead from day one until the jacket ceremony, and the first to do so in 39 years.
“He’s going to fly the flag for golf for a long time,” said Justin Rose, whose second-place 14-under-par total would’ve won 74 of the 79 Masters. “People are going to enjoy getting behind Jordan just because of the type person he is, how he carries himself as well as his ability.”
Just after settling for the most satisfying bogey of his life, one that left him tied with Tiger Woods for the best four-day score in tournament history at 18 under, Spieth walked up the hill from the No. 18 green with his parents on either side, their arms draped over one another’s shoulders.
Moments later it was Bubba Watson, who had taken advantage of a pair of back-nine bogeys by Spieth in last year’s Masters to overtake him and claim his second title, draping his arm over Spieth’s shoulder as he helped slide on the green jacket. It was a coronation, one established champion welcoming a fellow young Southern gentleman to the club.
And if his first two professional seasons are an indication, Spieth looks poised to become the sport’s next big name. Since turning pro just two years ago Spieth has played eight rounds here and amazingly remained in the top five of each round.
The most impressive part of his four-day run to his first green jacket was the ability to block out the noise — those wonderful Sunday afternoon roars that rang loudest as Phil Mickelson made his charge with an eagle and two birdies on the back nine — and maintain his focus with a seemingly endless string of clutch putts to hold off Rose and Mickelson.
Sunday he overcame not only the yearlong memory of losing the lead going into the final round last year, but also the sting of having lost a three-stroke lead to finish second in last week’s Shell Houston Open.
“Honestly, it wasn’t only last year but last week that drove me today,” Spieth said. “It was a combination of the two, watching those slip away.”
After he set a Masters record with his 26th birdie of the week and became the first in Masters history to reach 19 under, one national golf writer in the media center who has followed Spieth used the phrase “almost too good to be true” in describing him.
Even after sailing his approach on No. 16 past the green, the foulest thing Spieth could muster to yell was “Dang it!”
And when Rose salvaged an errant tee shot on No. 7 by reaching the green from the trampled straw beneath the row of pine trees, Spieth smiled and gave his closest competitor a thumbs-up.
“It’s how the game was founded. It’s about integrity,” Spieth said when praised for the way he has carried himself not only here but throughout his still budding career. “I’ve learned from the example of others, and now I want to try to continue setting the right example no matter what.”
Amid the whirlwind of emotions immediately following the green jacket being slipped over his shoulders, Spieth admitted it was that walk toward the clubhouse with his parents’ arms resting on his shoulders that stood out most.
And as he wrapped up his media requirements late Sunday evening, he said what he looked forward to most was having time to call his special-needs sister back home in Texas and sharing the news with her.
“She asked me every day last week that I was leading if I had won (at the Shell Houston),” Spieth said. “I kept saying, ‘Not yet’ and then had to say ‘No.’ She’ll be excited for me but will probably just ask if I’m bringing her a present home.”
Spieth’s gift to golf is the talent to produce thrilling Augusta moments for years to come, and just as importantly an earnestness also worth pulling for.
Contact Stephen Hargis at shargis@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6293.