Jordan Spieth Studies a Legend and Chases a Nearly Grand Finale

So refreshing to see the Tiger disappear into thin air.

I wonder why Bobby Jones is not mentioned in this article though. The sole possessor of a single-season Grand Slam, his absence in an article discussing a Gram Slam related feat, which focuses on the almost Grand Slams of Woods and Hogan, surely should mention the man who succeeded.

The two greatest golfers in history are Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. Who is the greatest is a matter of debate (and Tiger is still playing albeit poorly at the moment). In my opinion (and I go back a long way) comparing only the years when they were in their prime, Tiger was the greater golfer. The disparaging comments about him not being as good a role model as some of the younger golfers such as Jordan Speith, who is having a sensational run, are irrelevant. Athletes are what they are because of their performance at their chosen sport and not their activities and/or personalities away from the game.
And cannot go without notice that black athletes are often charcterized as "poor" role models. Jack Johnson, Muhammed Ali are two great athletes who come to mind as being portrayed as poor role models at various points in their career. Athletics is simply about performance at the sport, nothing else.

I like the way Spieth always talks about a round of golf he is going to play or has played by using the word "we". We did this or we did that...referring to his friend and caddy, Michael Greller.

Tiger won 13 of his 14 majors with Steve Williams. Williams was, and is, an extremely competitive guy. Between the two of them their on-course demeanor
was "in your face" competitive.

Tiger rarely gave public credit to Steve. When he fired Williams he did so by e-mail. That's Tiger.

Spieth has the competitive fire that Hogan had and the like-ability of Arnie Palmer.

All these golfers are the best in the world. They all have the capacity to get hot, and have a great run of victories.

I guess most writers who write about sport figures must project into the future and portray each "phenom" as having a chance to the the "greatest" of her/his generation. In my opinion, what is remarkable about Jordan Spieth is the player he is now. Whatever his future, his achievements to date give him a well-earned place in the history of golf.

Tempting as it may be for any writer on golf to compare the current winners to past "greats", those writers overlook how unique each "great" has been. Tiger Woods will never be duplicated either in his rise to greatness or his fall to date from the pinnacle of his sport (whose future success is a question yet to be answered). Jordan Spieth and others who are the current "faces of the future" deserve to be analyzed (in the midst of their tournaments) for they are achieving, not who they are. It seems more than slightly offensive to read seemingly covert insults to Mr. Woods when the current crop of golfers is overly praised for their conduct, personal appearance and parenting, not their golf skills.

Golf is now a different game from what it was in the days of Hogan, Palmer, Nicklaus, and others of the past. Record-keeping has limited application but feeds the appetites of the spectators' need for conversation. The big picture painted by Karen Crouse is deftly done with sufficient detail for those seeking to know the players she profiles. Her skillful writing offers pleasure to those of us who follow golf.

I am not a golfer, and therefore not up on all the nuances of the game. This type of story allows me to participate in the enjoyment of golf at it's most exciting. Thanks.

Karen: I just love your writing. Thank you...Evan Koch

Where, oh where, has Tiger gone? To a golf graveyard! He is toast. Yes.....Jordan, Day, and other young guns make pro golf really exciting!

The game has moved on and is in good hands!

This kid Spieth is the real deal. Having seen Ben Hogan play, it is so great to see someone that is preparing to become the next Great Golfer. He has the mind, (which was Hogan's greatest asset, along with his willingness to practice until his hands bled), and the swing to be the next Hogan, Palmer or Jones.

It's so exhilarating to look at the Jason/Jordan final pairing and think that one of these extremely likable personalities may win this amazing tournament and title. It's also heartbreaking to think than one (or both) of them may come this close and lose.
What great players. What a great venue. What a great tournament. What a great moment in golf.

An intellectual. Golfer. Who plays the piano. Is wonderfully mature. Humble. And passionate about winning. Who can learn from mistakes. And cares deeply.

Thank you for this lovely article. Which enlarges our understanding of an amazing young man.

Somehow I feel that if he wins, he will win with dignity. And if he loses today, he will rejoice for his playing partner. What an amazing young man!

Congratulations to Jordan Spieth's parents for having raised such a courteous and well-mannered son. An outstanding player, he does credit to the game and will also serve as a role model for many younger golfers in the years to come.

This kid is absolutely phenomenal. Must see TV today for sure.
Tiger who?

Great column, Ms. Crouse, even if some of us see more Nicklaus in Spieth than Hogan. Day versus (mainly) Spieth in the final round of a major? Yes, that'll do. Spieth might end up being the greatest golfer of his generation, but Day would be a very popular champion. He just has to finish and likely needs 69 or lower today to do it with Spieth chasing him, perhaps setting a PGA Championship scoring record in the process. Should be a good show.

Commentators on TV Saturday referred to a quote from Nicklaus, in relation to Spieth, that Spieth had an "uncluttered mind" on the golf course. Leading to an ability to focus on the shot at hand and an ability to make good decisions. It will be exciting to watch the fourth round today to see where that "uncluttered mind" leads him.

With his age, ability and demeanour, Jordan Spieth should get at least 12 majors before he reaches 40 (he already has two and aims to add one more on Sunday). We Koreans may have to prepare a ticker parade for Jordan when he comes to Korea for the biennial Presidents Cup October 8~11. I personally will certainly go to Jack Nicklaus Golf Club at Songdo, Incheon to see him. Even though Spieth is not at the International Team, he will be very much cheered and loved by Koreans this October.

Spieth may not reach what Jack Nicklaus or Tiger Woods achieved (18 and 14 majors each), but it should be really fun to watch what he strives to accomplish next two decades.