He's Just Not Supposed to Do This

If there was any concern about whether Jordan Spieth might experience a letdown after his phenomenal year in 2015--and apparently there was--I think he has pretty much provided the answer; or at least given the strong indication that it will be business as usual this year.  

I read an article a week or so ago that quoted Rory McIlroy as saying that history suggests Spieth will not win any Majors this year.  Another article cited the fact that none of the experts queried were picking Spieth to have another big year, once again talking about history supporting their position.

It appears, however, while it's admittedly very early days, that young Mr. Spieth is not bound by history, or what others have done before him.  He seems intent on adding his name, in a big way, to the history books.  He doesn't seem to realize that he's not supposed to keep playing this well.  

He just shouldn't be doing this.  He's an expert's nightmare, because what he does, and how he does it, is rather difficult to explain.  The fact is, despite not having great power, or textbook technique, he just plays better than everyone else.  He gets the ball in the hole in fewer strokes than everyone else; not necessarily looking pretty while doing so.  And that, my friends, is really what golf is all about.

He's apparently just not long enough to dominate in what is supposedly now a power game.  I believe he is currently only the best at one thing--making putts from 20 to 25 feet. I hear he made a whopping 33 percent of them last year.  It's hard to imagine.  It's hard to believe.  But I heard it on Golfchannel, so it must be true.  I don't think Tiger even came close to doing that.  Neither did Jack.  Spieth's admittedly not that great with his wedges, and he admits that he needs to put more work into his chipping.  But when you are holing putts from 20 feet with regularity, I guess you can probably cut yourself a bit of slack as far as your wedge game is concerned.

The really scary thing is this kid is likely to only get better.  He can improve his physical game in a number of areas.  If he stays healthy, and doesn't mess with his swing trying to get longer--which he has said he won't do--this kid looks to be on his way to becoming one of the best we've ever seen.

And, while doing this, he low-fives the fans on the way from greens to the next tee.  He cheerfully signs autographs and mingles with the fans.  He gives lengthy, open, and honest press conferences.  He can be heard congratulating his playing partners on their good shots.  He even provides us with a play-by-play as he talks with his caddy about what he wants to do, or what he failed to do, or what he was thinking.  And he doesn't seem to understand that he's not supposed to be doing this.  He just isn't supposed to be this good, is he?

It is early days.  But, heading into tomorrow's final round with a five shot lead, it certainly appears that, barring a phenomenal round by one of the chasers, or a sudden letdown, Jordan Spieth is headed for another compelling win.  And is there anyone out there who has a problem with that?  Perhaps the guys he's beating like a drum, but surely not the fans.