Jordan Spieth counting on experience of 2014 Masters near-miss

Ray Slover

Jordan Spieth counting on experience of 2014 Masters near-miss image

Should we look at Jordan Spieth through the lens of the due theory or see him as being among the hottest golfers on the PGA Tour?

Either way, there's good reason to look at Spieth, a 21-year-old Texan, as a prime contender at the 2015 Masters.

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Here's a good way to view Spieth: He has experienced the pressure of leading the Masters in the fourth round. He knows what he must overcome to win this time.

Spieth enters play on Thursday at Augusta National Golf Club with a win and two second-place finishes in recent tournaments. So yes, hot applies. Due? Maybe, but is anybody due at Augusta?

So here's Spieth, to many observers "the next one" in American golf, on what he learned in 2014.

"I guess the hardest lesson taken from last year was that I had an opportunity to make a dream come true, and I had it in my hands, and then I was just a little anxious," he told media members this week. "You can make the excuse that as a first-timer and 20 years old, that that's likely to happen.

"But in my mind, I was playing the best through 61 holes and had an opportunity to continue that the next 11 holes and didn't quite close it out."

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Recent odds had Spieth and defending champion Bubba Watson behind favorite Rory McIlroy. If Spieth has an advantage, it's this: The world expects McIlroy to win.

Hello, pressure. McIlroy knows how to handle it, but will he?

Same question can be asked of Spieth. His take: Remember last year's fourth round.

"That was definitely the highest amount of pressure I've ever felt," he said. "That first tee shot, I think I hit it into the ninth fairway and was just real quick off the tee. Played pretty much the entire round feeling different than I've ever felt on the golf course.

"I enjoyed it, but at the same time when you're feeling that kind of pressure, it's hard to get comfortable picking fearless shots, and then I kind of bailed out on a couple of swings, trying to look up a little quickly."

Spieth begins play late on Thursday, teeing off with Henrik Stenson and Billy Horschel at 1:15 p.m. ET. Friday brings an 8:57 a.m. tee time.

Remember what Spieth said after 2014's final round? “It stings right now,” he said. “The only thing I’m thinking about is, ‘When am I getting back?' ”

Now?

"Having been so close last year and having a little experience and riding some momentum, I hope to put myself in contention and use what I've learned since last year," Spieth said.

Ray Slover