As Golf’s Best Player, Jordan Spieth Is Determined to Get Better

Jordan Spieth is a joy to watch and to listen to. Who knows what will happen going forward - let's appreciate him him and his accomplishments while we can.

That's a nice piece of writing, Ms. Crouse. I stopped reading about golf a couple of years ago. It seemed that everything written was in the context of "relative to Tiger". This article, however, held its focus-Jordan Spieth.

Why does the sports section attract or produce so much excellent writing? I don't have an answer to that old question but recognize Ms Crouse as part of the proud tradition.

Focus is right! Jordan and Day had it this year and Rickie is nearly there!

I do watch golf--among other competitive sports--as part of a fascination with what carries an elite athlete or a whole team-- beyond skill, beyond game plan--into the winner's circle. I agree that it takes mental focus, the type of courage that chooses risks when others don't as well what can be called "hard work". However, there is always that mysterious, elusive quality that some athletes possess and others don't that lifts performance for a season, a career or an event to a level unconquered until they do so.

Whether the Jordans, the Jasons , the Rickys, the Rorys turn excellent seasons into ledgendary careers or flame out after a two or three exceptional seasons, the excitement they bring to the game of golf--well-documented by Karen Crouse--gives true pleasure to those who watch them.

Although Ms. Crouse did not mention it, the exchange on the 11th hole on Sunday between Stenson and Spieth after an amazingly skillful putt by Spieth captured for me--and many others-- the current state of competition in golf: a wry acknowledgment of Spieth's achievement by Stenson's fist bump and a promise that next time might be different. Golf has entered the era of elite competition and exited the era of one extraordinary player's (Tiger Woods) dominance.

Thank you, Karen Crouse. Your articles in the last week
have been a true treat for those of us who love the game
of golf and want to know what's happening out there.

Hey Tiger, did you read this? Hard work pays off!

Atta boy.

The young man is a role model for all of us who try to play the game of golf. Every stroke is a work of art and all too often mine are failures. But the challenge is to attempt to improve and move forward. The meta message of self examination and behavior change applies to life as well. I hope to watch Mr Speith succeed for many years to come.

Looking forward to Tiger free future. Goodluck Jordan...you appear to be a class act

It is wonderful to see such focus, such magnanimity of purpose and generosity in such a young man. Well done, Jordon!

Dangerous. Don't fix what's not broke. And above all, don't chase more length off the tee. Ask players who lost it like Ian Baker-Finch. How much of Tiger's problems are attributable to his frequent new coaches and swings? IMHO, quite a bit, even with his injuries.

So, Jordan, keep on keepin' on - and don't chase perfect. As someone said, 'golf is not a game of perfect'...

After that season, last thing he needs to do is tinker with his swing to get longer. Please no - watch the Tiger tape on swing tinkering, and trying to hit it longer is swing tinkering.

time and again its proved that Golf is a mental game. If your mind is calm strong and focused all the rest follows. In truth, at the higher championship levels ,all games and sports are mental , whether its tennis or a hundred meters dash , to consistently perform needs mind is the root. Ask Bolt, Roger Federer or Tiger Wood. skill is almost taken for granted , an entity which could be developed , imported into you ,if you haven't got it in you. But the ability to consistently focus your mind each and every time unwaveringly is a different cup of tea. Its like the saying "its not the weapon that matters but the man behind the weapon that counts" . Read "mind" for,"man" in that sentence and you got it. Spieth has got it now. Tiger Wood had it once.

Just a few days ago, this very newspaper quipped that Jason Day is the best player in the world. Funny! Perhaps beset to tow a more diplomatic angle given the precarious nature of the top ranking, with so many fine players about now: Day, Speith and McIlroy...among others.

At the risk of being excoriated by the NYT commenter community, and "whipped with its displeasure", I do not like this boy. Or, I do not like the Golf-World coronation of him so quickly.
Does anybody out there remember Art Schlicher (Arthur Ernest Schlichter ) of Ohio State, from the 1980s?
Mr. Spieth glisters mightily, but "All that ..."
I suppose I am "too old for this ".
Whoops! That would have gotten the moderator's attention.

I don't think Karen Crouse missed a point. Incredible young golfer. We've all heard the jokes about sports: "trying to hit a little ball into a hole"; "throwing a ball into a net". This story is a wonderful reminder that mental stamina is central to the success of elite athletes and that is where the great ones excel.

Thanks for an instructive piece!