Golf

Continuing ‘spectacular’ run, Spieth leaves McIlroy in wake

The American golfer intends to get specific and ‘focus a bit more on certain shots’

Jordan Spieth of the United States gestures during the Pro Am event prior to the start of the WGC - HSBC Champions at the Sheshan International Golf Club. Photograph: Andrew Redington/Getty Images
Jordan Spieth of the United States gestures during the Pro Am event prior to the start of the WGC - HSBC Champions at the Sheshan International Golf Club. Photograph: Andrew Redington/Getty Images
Ewan Murray in Shanghai
Thu Nov 05 2015 - 01:49

When he arrived in Shanghai, Jordan Spieth needed only to stand at a

baggage carousel for the latest reminder of how 12 months can shape a sporting storyline. There, he is depicted alongside Rory McIlroy as player turned superhero. Spieth has become accustomed to billboard prominence.

Spieth (22) used what he calls a "spectacular" 2015 to steal McIlroy's crown. Yet a year ago he landed in China with only one professional victory to his name and a desire to somehow pursue McIlroy, who had detached himself from the pack as the finest player in the world.

The intervening months represent a fairytale. Spieth has won eight times worldwide, claimed two Majors, lifted the FedEx Cup and collected five awards for individual excellence in one season. McIlroy, in part because of injury, is now the chaser.

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Fine-tuning

Unsurprisingly, Spieth is not of a mind to tread water.

“There are definitely ways I can fine-tune and get better,” he said on the eve of the WGC- HSBC Champions tournament. “That is what we try to do every year. That is what we have been able to do each year.

“I can get longer. That is something that I can do in the off-season with a combination of swing and what I do in the gym. I have a long break in December, and that is what I consider as my time to really make some changes.”

Spieth rebuffs any notion of mending something that is far from broken. “You just try to get very specific with it,” he said. “The more specific you get with it, you find out there are certainly ways you can improve in every single category.

“I can focus a bit more on certain shots. I have already looked at some of the stats from the past year.

Yards out

“For example, from 125 to 150 yards out I wasn’t as consistent as where I was inside and outside of that distance, compared to everyone else on tour, for strokes gained. So there are certain categories that I can improve on and maybe spend a little extra time.”

The Dallas-born golfer’s unassuming nature gives the impression he could be uncomfortable with his new status. Maturity is the key to his handling of it.

“This is a dream come true for me, it really is,” he said. “To have juniors in China walking with our group for a pro-am, in the pouring rain, it is just something I probably didn’t see even in my wildest dreams.”

Guardian Service