Clutch Putting by Jordan at Augusta

Jordan Spieth marched to his first Green Jacket on Sunday, April 12 leaving major champions, Mickelson, Rose & McIlory fighting for the podium positions.

Phil Mickleson – holder of 3 Green Jackets

For the golfing community watching on, Spieth impressed with his putting throughout Augusta’s stunning 2015 tournament.   The form watchers could point towards Spieth’s 3 wins in the previous 4 months including the Australian Open, Hero World Challenge and Valspar Championship. And golf historians have noted that Texans have now won 13 green jackets (Demaretx3, Byron Nelsonx2, Crenshawx2, Ben Hoganx2, Guldhal, Burke Jr. & Coody).

Ben Crenshaw – the last Texan Masters Winner, 1995

Notwithstanding the above review, the manner of Spieth’s record breaking victory has left the golfing world in flux.  Just what is it secret of Jordan’s rapid rise to the top table of World Golf?

Speith isn’t one of the game’s big hitters and often prefers the safety of 3-Wood to the risk/reward Driver.  His swing is generously described as “efficient”, rather than “powerful” or even “natural”.  His putting stroke is cack-handed.  There are many other golfers out there with seemingly stronger credentials.

Jordan takes the Jacket

Spieth is portrayed as a humble sort, shaped by his close family upbringing and homely values.  The new World No.2 does however also maintain a high level of self-confidence which was rarely ruffled despite strong advances from the world’s greats at Augusta.  And in donning the Green Jacket, the young Master presented quiet satisfaction rather than surprise or awe at his achievement.

Speith is a throwback to champions of the past, street smart with strong sense of self and an overriding determination to succeed, unaffected mostly by reputation, praise or celebrity.

Speith’s victory then may be a wake-up call for the established players – with an exciting new era unfolding at the Majors.