Jordan Spieth: Young and wire-y in Masters triumph

When you witness a historic win, it is just best to let the numbers speak for themselves. Jordan Spieth made history in every round of the 79th playing of The Masters at Augusta National:

*The youngest player to lead after the opening round.
*The lowest opening round by a champion at 64 and the second lowest opening round in Masters History.
*The most birdies for the tournament at 28.
*The 36-hole record at 14 under at 130
*The 54-hole record at 16 under at 200
*Tied Tiger Woods for the lowest tournament total at 18-under par. He was 19-under going into the last round and missed a five-footer on the last hole.

Undaunted by the pressure of leading golf’s first major from the start, Spieth posted impressive scores of 64-66-70-70 to better three-time Masters Champion Phil Mickelson and 2013 U.S. Open Champion Justin Rose by four strokes in a superb wire-to-wire display.

“He has no weaknesses,” Mickelson said. “He doesn’t overpower the golf course, but he plays the course strategically well. He plays the shots properly. And he has the ability to focus and see things clear when the pressure is on and perform at his best when the pressure is on. That’s something that you really can’t teach, some players are able to do it, some aren’t. And he is.”

Rose was well aware that his excellent four days of play were just a matter of bad timing. “I’ll take my 14 under performance next year, and the year after, and the year after.”

When you look back at the journey Spieth took to earn his first green jacket, you witness one of a young man with self-confidence and determination. He was the USGA Junior Champion twice, a member of the University of Texas NCAA Championship Team and a sophomore who left college at 19 to turn pro with no playing privileges.

Spieth failed to obtain his PGA Tour at the qualifying school in in 2012 before he started the next year ranked 800 in the world rankings. He went on to earn his playing status by his performance from sponsor exemptions. On his 20th birthday, he won the John Deere Classic to launch himself into a pro contender.

In 2013, Spieth was chosen for the President’s Cup Team and give the PGA Tour Rookie of the Year honor. His John Deere win earned him a spot in the 2014 Masters field where he finished second to two-time champion Bubba Watson after leading with 10 holes left to play.

Now the second ranked player in the world behind 25-year old four-time major champion Rory McIlroy, Spieth could be the American to provide an archrival for the Northern Ireland wunderkind.

“it’s awfully impressive, it’s nice to get your major tally up and running at an early stage in your career,” said McIlroy on Spieth’s win. “It’s great to see, great for the game, and I’m sure there will be many more.”

McIlroy was looking to add The Masters to his two PGA Championships, U.S. Open and British Open Championships this week. An Augusta victory would allow him to join the elite group of Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Ben Hogan, Gary Player and Gene Sarazen as winners of the modern Grand Slam of Golf.

While under the eye of the media, Rory had a slow start but found his way as this week progressed. He finished the final 45 holes at 15-under par, tying the low round of Sunday with a 66 for a 4th place finish at 12 under par, six strokes back.

Some other of golf’s biggest names added to the drama of the week.

The surprise comeback of the week came from none other than Tiger Woods. In Phoenix and San Diego this year, Tiger endured horrible moments like a round of 82 and a withdrawal. His non-existent short game that had everyone doubting if he would ever come back.

Woods mave have more tales to be written on the good side of his mostly great ledger. The 39-year old not only made the 36 hole cut, but his 68 in round three had him in sixth place. A closing round of 73 pushed him back to 17th, yet there is promise for the future.

It would not be The Masters without the heritage that makes these hallowed grounds special. Watching past champions like Arnold Palmer at 85, the ageless Gary Player at 78 and the golden Jack Nicklaus at 75 hit the ceremonial first shots touches the heart strings for golf fans of all ages. This year also marked the last championship for two-time winner Ben Crenshaw, a beloved figure in the game who played his final practice round with fellow Texas Longhorn alum Spieth.

Yes, it was special when Nicklaus made his first ever ace in the annual Wednesday Par-3 event. It is also very special that Spieth is now a part of Augusta’s great history of champions.

“This was the ultimate goal in my life,” Spieth said donning his first Green Jacket. There will be many more goals to set and reach for golf’s newest superstar.