Spieth ‘aware’ of Hogan’s legacy
Print Edition
WITH a chance to match history at the home of golf, Jordan Spieth is trying to make the British Open feel like just another event.
That might be one of his toughest challenges at St Andrews in Scotland.
Ben Hogan in 1953 is the only other player to capture the Masters, US Open and British Open in the same year. Only three players since then — Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods — have ever come to Scotland with hopes of a grand slam.
Spieth’s news conference attracted a full house yesterday, creating an atmosphere normally reserved only for Woods and Rory McIlroy. The 21-year-old Texan is the main attraction at St Andrews, especially with McIlroy — the defending champion and No. 1 in the world — out with an ankle injury.
And yes, Spieth is very aware of what’s at stake this week.
“I like to study the history of golf, and it’s extremely special what this year has brought to our team,” he said. “And to have a chance to do what only one other person in the history of golf has done doesn’t come around very often. I’m sure embracing that opportunity.
“But by the time I start on Thursday, it won’t be in my head. It’ll be about how can I bring this Open Championship down to just another event, get out there and try and get myself into contention.”
He set out for his final practice round on a cool morning with an overcast sky, occasional rain, and not much wind, and there is plenty of talk about how ready Spieth will be for his shot at history.
He chose last week to play the John Deere Classic so he could find out where he needed work, and feel the pressure of contending. In that respect, the preparation went well. He wound up winning in a playoff for his fourth victory of the year, and he arrived at St Andrews on Monday. “I don’t think anybody is going to argue with a win.”
Spieth played 18 holes that day, 10 holes on Tuesday, and planned a full round yesterday. His only other experience at St Andrews was in 2011, when he was a freshman at Texas on his way north to the Walker Cup.
“Coming over earlier certainly could have helped,” he said. “I just liked the fact that I could go somewhere I could play hard, and possibly win a PGA Tour event in preparation. But certainly, more time on this golf course couldn’t hurt anybody.”
- About Us
- |
- Terms of Use
- |
-
RSS - |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Contact Us
- |
- Shanghai Call Center: 962288
- |
- Tip-off hotline: 52920043
- 沪ICP证：沪ICP备05050403号-1
- |
- 互联网新闻信息服务许可证：31120180004
- |
- 网络视听许可证：0909346
- |
- 广播电视节目制作许可证：沪字第354号
- |
- 增值电信业务经营许可证：沪B2-20120012
Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.
