Southport, England. The last time Jordan Spieth visited Royal Birkdale the end result was a triumphant conclusion. The number three player in the world at that time returned to the States with the Claret Jug in his possession.
That year was 2017.
The win at The Open was Jordan’s third different major win in three years and the promise of even more notable wins seemed just a matter of time.
Well, time has certainly passed but the return to Southport and the 154th Open was far removed from the form he displayed then. The Texan scored 73-77 and was heading home back to the States with more questions than answers on what lies ahead for the 32-year-old.
Since his win at Birkdale nine years ago, Spieth has won just twice on the PGA Tour — the Texas Open in 2021 and the RBC Heritage in 2022. To put matters in perspective — a close friend and long-time rival Scottie Scheffler has won 20 times on the PGA Tour since 2022. The gap between Spieth and Scheffler now is as wide as the Grand Canyon.
What’s even more telling is that in his last 15 majors, which includes his play this week at Royal Birkdale, he has not finished in the top ten in any of them. That stretch of majors has also included four missed cuts, including his woeful play this week.
Global golf has become far more competitive than it ever has been. What one did from years ago may be a permanent part of the record book but it matters not a bit when current form is the essential element that matters most.
Spieth’s golf game has shown signs of flourishing but then he reverts to inexplicable lapses — mainly with a faulty putter that misbehaves at the most inopportune moments.
Relevance in golf comes from being in contention. That reality is not on Jordan’s radar screen at this moment. He has not finished in the top ten in 19 starts on the PGA Tour. A meager total of three finishes in the top 15 did happen but that run of improved golf came before this year’s Masters.
The door to great golf is not an easy one to walk through. One step forward can quickly have two steps backward happen. The emotional rollercoaster can be a confounding matter with no end. Doubts that start small can metastasize into paralyzing confusion. Commendably, Spieth has shown a dogged desire to keep plugging which highlights his tenacity.
Happy endings are a staple in Hollywood but in elite level golf there is no such guarantee. One reality can mean the heyday of Spieth is forever be locked into the past. Hard to imagine someone being irrelevant at such a prime-time age.
Jordan’s journey remains one where the twists and turns are a matter of perseverance.
Will the process result in a return to prominence?
Clearly, Spieth sees light at the end of the dark tunnel.
The jury is still out on that happening.
Related: True Greatness Shines on the Links
M. James Ward
A long-time member of both the GWAA and MGWA. The 68-year-old has covered all facets in golf since 1980 — including reporting on over 100 major championships and 13 Ryder Cup matches. His writings have appeared in various outlets. On a personal level, has played over 2,000 courses globally and is lead reviewer for Top 100 Golf Courses.
Previously served for 17 years as national course rating panelist for Golf Digest. Has also personally competed in USGA Championships. Resides in the metro New York City area with his wife Celeste. Favorite quote paraphrased for golf — “You are what your golf score says you are.”