Share

Spieth form hampers 'career slam' hopes

Cape Town - Three-time major champion Jordan Spieth arrives at the PGA Championship in St Louis this week for a second crack at a 'career Grand Slam', but the American's unpredictable form this year means his chances of achieving that dream could go either way.

Tee times: 100th PGA Championship - Round 1

Spieth arrives at Bellerive Country Club needing a victory to put his name alongside the game's greats - Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods - as only the sixth player ever to win all four majors.

The 25-year-old has endured a frustrating time since his victory at last year's Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, although he has been close to winning on several occasions.

Last month's Open Championship at Carnoustie saw his latest brush with glory, Spieth sharing the lead going into the final round only for his challenge to flounder as he shot a five-over-par 76 to finish well out of contention.

Still, the failure has not dented Spieth's self confidence.

"I believe that my best golf has yet to come, absolutely," he told reporters.

"Even better than (2015), all that, yeah. It's all there, and it's moving in the right direction. So I'm actually very pleased coming out of this week."

The Spieth of 2018 is still a long way from the Spieth of 2015, the year that saw him capture the Masters and US Open, while finishing tied for fourth at the Open and runner-up at the PGA Champs.

Inconsistency, particularly with the putter, has been the problem. After his decent Open showing, he could only manage a tie for 60th spot at last week's WGC-Bridgestone Invitational.

"I believe that going through struggles, you start to realise where your tendencies are and how to compensate for it and turn them into advantages," Spieth said. 'I think that I have that going for me."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1473 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2252 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE