After a 7-Year-Long Nightmare, Jordan Spieth’s Agony Might End Soon at the 2024 Masters
Jordan Spieth arrives winless at Augusta National for the second straight year. Despite showing hopes of a rebound early this year, he has played a roller-coaster golf that has become synonymous with his name. After getting disqualified at the Genesis Invitational for signing the wrong scorecard, Spieth finished T30 at Bay Hill and then went on to miss the cut in two consecutive weeks.
It’s also been seven years since Spieth’s last Major triumph at the 2017 Open Championship. Yet, ahead of Masters, the three-time Major winner has reasons for hope. Last year, Spieth tied for fourth at Augusta, and the par 72, 7555-yard layout has favored the 30-year-old. The latest stat uncovered by Justin Ray only evinces that further.
Why Jordan Spieth should look forward to the Masters
In 2015, Jordan Spieth became the only player since Tiger Woods to don the Green Jacket at 21. Since then, Spieth has managed six top-five finishes at Augusta National Golf Club. That’s a 60% record at the Masters. Spieth also tied for 11th in the 2017 Masters.
One of the great Jordan Spieth moments at #theMasters. pic.twitter.com/zRuvdFr95N
— Spieth Tracker (@Spieth_Tracker) April 8, 2024
While this season Spieth has had a tumultuous ride, it includes three top-10s from eight events. Spieth tied for the 10th spot at the recently concluded Valero Texas Open as well. But there is one more reason why the 13-time PGA Tour winner will look at the Masters as an opportunity to bounce back stronger.
Statsguru Justin Ray tweeted, “Since 2015, Spieth ranks 1st at in strokes gained approach per round and 11th in strokes gained putting. Historically, he’s 2nd in Masters history in SG Total per round among players with 30+ rounds, trailing only Ben Hogan.” Notably, Jordan Spieth ranks 8th in Strokes Gained: Total and 12th in SG: Putting this year in the Tour. Compared to the field, the 30-year-old has gained 1.203 strokes off the tee and 0.673 strokes in putting.
Since 2015, Spieth ranks 1st at #TheMasters in strokes gained approach per round and 11th in strokes gained putting.
Historically, he’s 2nd in Masters history in SG Total per round among players with 30+ rounds, trailing only Ben Hogan. https://t.co/hxQiVQ3OM8
— Justin Ray (@JustinRayGolf) April 9, 2024
Notably, last year, Spieth started the final round 10 shots behind the 54-hole leader, Brooks Koepka. But after a wild final day that included nine birdies—tying his 2018 record—to card 6-under 66 to tie for fourth, six shots behind, eventual champion, Jon Rahm. Spieth’s wild Masters records surely speak for itself, but at the same time, the three-time Major winner faces tough competition from his peers.
Who can challenge Spieth?
No defending champion has won the Masters since Tiger Woods in 2002. But Jon Rahm is still a favorite this year as well, on the back of his spectacular form in LIV Golf. The Spanish International has top-eights in each of his last five outings. On the other hand, Scottie Scheffler arrives at Augusta National with the lowest odds since Tiger Woods. Scheffler has netted a top-10 in each of his last eight PGA Tour appearances, except one.
Undoubtedly, the job in front of Jordan Spieth is formidable, but by his standards, the 30-year-old can pull off a surprise triumph and match Rory McIlroy’s major tally. Notably, Spieth was fourth best in SG: Off the Tee at TPC San Antonio, despite a wild moving day that included a double bogey on the par 5 18th via the clubhouse rooftop.
