How Jordan Spieth’s Augusta demons reappeared

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How Jordan Spieth’s Augusta demons reappeared

It was a case of deja vu all over again for the American. Here's the story of how Jordan Spieth's Augusta National demons reappeared

There are two reasons sport’s fans all over the world bookmark US Masters week as a must watch tournament. That is, the perfect blend of beauty and cruelty. At Augusta National the line between triumph and disaster is finer than anywhere on planet golf. Jordan Spieth, a man who a little over 12 months ago, seemed oblivious to it’s danger now seems embroiled in his own personal battle with golf’s finest landscape. This is the story of how Jordan Spieth's Augusta demons reappeared.

Heading into the final round, the American was lurking just three off the lead. Having come back from making a 9 on the 15th hole of his opening round, Spieth’s presence on the leaderboard was ominous. Many knowledgable punters were looking no further than the 2015 Champ. The only question mark was this - were there any lingering demons from 2016 and how would he face up to the unique pressure?

The Texan had previously told the media of how he’d returned to Augusta in December to play with friends and in the process had exorcised some of the demons surrounding this beautifully dangerous 12th hole. However, as he stood there on Masters Sunday, he hit almost the same tee shot of a year ago. The ball drifted on the breeze and ended in Rae’s Creek. Coincidence? Hardly.

Once again, Amen Corner had ended Spieth’s challenge.

In the post round press conference, the assembled media skipped around the subject but the uncomfortable truth is that doubts surrounding the 23 year-old’s ability to finish the job at Augusta will travel with him again next year. He has quickly accrued a painful bank of memories that will be increasingly hard to overcome.

Neil Tappin
Neil Tappin
Editor

In July 2023, Neil became just the 9th editor in Golf Monthly's 112-year history. Originally working with the best coaches in the UK to produce instruction content, he went on to become a feature writer interviewing many of the biggest names in the game including Tiger Woods, Seve Ballesteros, Rory McIlroy and Arnold Palmer.

A 5-handicap golfer, Neil is a club member who takes a keen interest in the health of the game at grassroots level. You’ll often now find him writing about club-related issues such as WHS, membership retention and how best to bridge the gap between the range and the course.