Jordan’s Juggernaut

It’s been said many times in all sports that climbing the way to the top is one thing—staying there quite another.
Jordan’s Juggernaut
Jordan Spieth reacts after putting for birdie on the second green during the final round of the Hyundai Tournament of Champions at the Plantation Course at Kapalua Golf Club on Jan. 10. Sam Greenwood/Getty Images
M. James Ward
Updated:

It’s been said many times in all sports that climbing the way to the top is one thing—staying there quite another. Even more telling is when athletes have sensational years and face the daunting task in trying to match or even surpass what they have done the year prior. Jordan Spieth’s golf year in 2015 rivals anything done previously in the sport. The then 21-year-old won five times—two of them majors—and coming as close as any golfer has ever done in winning all four of golf’s major championships, missing out on a playoff at The Open at The Old Course at St. Andrews by one stroke and finishing second to Australian Jason Day in the PGA Championship.

Even more telling than Spieth’s golf prowess is his unrivaled manner in dealing with the pressures that come with attaining the world number one ranking. Chronology may say the young man from Texas is now 22, but his mental strength shows a seasoned quality veterans are envious in what he’s been able to consistently do.

After earning Player-of-the-Year honors it would not have seemed implausible for Spieth to show a bit of competitive rust when entering this first PGA Tour event in 2016—the Hyundai Tournament of Champions at Kapalua’s Plantation Course in Maui, Hawaii.

Jordan Spieth plays his approach shot on the 9th hole during day four of the Australian Open at The Australian Golf Club on Nov. 29, 2015. (Matt King/Getty Images)
Jordan Spieth plays his approach shot on the 9th hole during day four of the Australian Open at The Australian Golf Club on Nov. 29, 2015. Matt King/Getty Images
M. James Ward
M. James Ward
Author
Ward is a member of the Golf Writers Association of America and Met Golf Writers Association. He has covered over 100 major championships and 12 Ryder Cup Matches. His golf acumen extends to architecture/travel, equipment, apparel, and general interest stories as well as in-depth interviews with the leading participants and influencers in the sport.
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