[2020's Great Challenge④] Spieth "The Distant PGA Championship"

Challenge for 'Career Grand Slam' at August PGA Championship "My Biggest Life Goal", Revival of 'Clutch Putting' Is Key

If Jordan Spieth wins the PGA Championship in August, he will achieve the remarkable feat of a 'Career Grand Slam.'

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] "Wanamaker Trophy."

This time, it's about Jordan Spieth (USA) and his 'Career Grand Slam challenge.' Having won the Masters and the US Open in 2015 and The Open Championship in 2017, only the PGA Championship's Wanamaker Trophy remains. Only five players have ever completed the Career Grand Slam by winning all four different major championships: Gene Sarazen (1935), Ben Hogan (both USA, 1953), Gary Player (South Africa, 1965), Jack Nicklaus (1966), and Tiger Woods (USA, 2000).

Spieth himself is burning with determination, saying, "The Career Grand Slam is the biggest goal of my golf life." He finished tied for 28th in 2017, and in 2018 and 2019, Brooks Koepka (USA) achieved back-to-back wins, halting his progress. The PGA Championship, originally scheduled for May, was postponed by about three months to August 6 due to the spread of COVID-19. The battleground is Harding Park TPC in San Francisco, California, USA.

Spieth has been recognized as the 'post-Tiger' since his amateur days. He won the US Junior Amateur twice, drawing the spotlight. Besides Tiger Woods (USA, 3 times), he is the only player to win more than twice. In July 2013, he earned his first PGA Tour victory at the John Deere Classic, setting a remarkable record as the first teenage champion (19 years, 11 months, 18 days) in 82 years since Ralph Guldahl's Santa Monica Open in 1931.

2015 was his best year. He swept five wins including the Masters, US Open, and the Tour Championship, the final playoff event. He finished tied for 4th at The Open Championship, one stroke behind, missing out on becoming the first player in 62 years since Ben Hogan (USA, 1953) to win three consecutive majors early in the season, which remains a regret. After two wins in 2016, he finally claimed The Open Championship's Claret Jug in 2017. At 24 years old, he reached three major wins faster than Woods (24 years, 6 months).

Jordan Spieth (right) has a special affection for his younger sister Ellie, who has a congenital developmental disorder.

Spieth has a unique human story of overcoming adversity to reach the top. He is a devoted 'younger sister's fool,' with his 9-year-old sister Ellie having a congenital developmental disability. Ellie’s intelligence remains at about a 5-year-old level, and Spieth’s affection for her is special. While touring, he always carries keychains that Ellie likes. Since 2003, he has established and supported a foundation for children with similar conditions to his sister. He said, "Ellie is an inspiring presence."

It is surprising that Spieth, once thriving, has fallen into a slump. After winning his 11th career victory at The Open in 2017, he has not won a PGA Tour event, let alone a major. He is struggling on the greens. Currently ranked 56th in the world, he has fallen outside the top 50 for the first time in seven years since 2013. The 2019/2020 season has also been quiet. He played in eight tournaments but only made two top-10 finishes. He ranked 82nd in prize money and 110th in FedEx Cup points.

Above all, his shot consistency has disappeared. His fairway hit rate is 47.95% (227th), greens in regulation 61.30% (221st), and average score is 71.46 strokes (156th). Especially his main weapon, putting, has been problematic and frustrating. His average putts per round are 28.30 (22nd), but his success rates within 4 feet are 86.49% (200th), 5 feet 76% (162nd), and 6 feet 60% (177th), showing he is struggling to regain his touch. A revival of 'clutch putting' is urgently needed.