World No. 1 Jordan Spieth admitted his first title defence of 2016 was a ‘bit of a bummer’ but reckons there’s no cause for Augusta alarm bells despite a top-20 finish in the defence of his Valspar Championship title near Tampa Bay in Florida.
It was the first of five PGA Tour counting title defences this year and with Spieth holing a 30-footer for birdie at the last in a round of a two over par 73 for an even par total on the Copperhead course.
Spieth has a week off ahead of two events in his beloved Texas and then onto the Masters and the first Major of the season.
Jordan Spieth – Always happy to sign autographs.
“It was really poor from both me and Michael (caddy) today and our decisions cost us a few shots early, and we both take the credit when things are going good and we both share the fault today,” said Spieth.
“So we made a few decisions that made me look back and think ‘Woh!’ as we have some stuff to talk about before we get ready going into a Major.
“So it’s a bit of a bummer but it’s okay as we have plenty of time as my ball-striking is getting close, and everything I would say is in a good place in getting ready for the Masters.
“I would like to get things sped up and maybe contend before we go to Augusta but it’s been nice to come back and defend what is the first of few events this year.”
All the stats from Jordan Spieth’s first defence of five events this year.
Spieth is heading to New York City tomorrow as part of the promotion for the ‘Drive, Chip and Putt’ competition and then has a week off before teeing-up in the second WGC of the New Year, the WGC – Dell Match-Play Championship and with Rory McIlroy defending champion.
“I am very excited to be playing in Austin, as I’ve played the course many times,” said Spieth.
“Hopefully I go there and get off to a good start. I need to start my rounds better. It’s that simple.
“I just can’t start over-par rounds every single round and expect to do anything with it. It’s just too hard to turn it around. I am used to getting off to a good start but unfortunately this week I started black before quite a few times.”
