Susanne Kemper, Pebble Beach CA …
Finally, sunny skies and calm conditions greeted the teams and players vying for victory on the final day at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am over famed Pebble Beach Golf Links.
Jordan Spieth played with his amateur partner, musician Jake Owen and a 3-handicapper, for the Am Trophy as well as the title gave a Master Class on winning. After a 68, 65, 65 in challenging conditions, Spieth’s 70 with birdies on the second and draining a mammoth putt on 17 to ice the W at -19.
Spieth thoroughly delighted major sponsor AT & T to be in a class of his own ending four shots ahead of Kelly Kraft’s 67 (-15), and Dustin Johnson’s third place (-14) while Brandt Snedeker dropped back to fourth at -13.
Jordan Spieth delights his major sponsor in capturing the AT & T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. (Photo – www.pgatour.com)
Kraft made an early charge up the leader board with 32 on the front but couldn’t sustain coming home.
Spieth’s success ensured he became just the second man, along with Tiger Woods, to win nine times on the PGA Tour before the age of 24, and post World War 11.
“I love it out here and I’m not surprised I played well”, said Spieth.
“It’s a fun week being here. It was nice to get off to a hot start, kind of set the tone for the day. But I couldn’t make any putts coming down the stretch.”
“World No 1 Jason Day finished with 67 for T-5 at -12, tied with Gary Woodland, who tore up the links with a 65, and Jon Rahm’s 68 for -12.
Spieth also celebrated contesting his 100th PGA Tour event and delighted also to ‘tick off’ winning at one of the most famed venues in all of golf.
“This is a bucket place list for a win. Here, Augusta National, St. Andrews, there are only a few in the world. It feels really special”, he said smiling.
“It was amazing walking up the 18th green knowing you are going to win. A unique position, I tried to soak it in.”
Spieth’s goal also “was to play a bogey free round with such a big lead, like Tiger did. A clean card, 3-under or so, a lot of boring golf today which was needed. I was pleased I didn’t rely on my putter today, my ball striking was there. If you can putt well Pebble Beach’s poa anna greens, you can putt well any week.”
Speaking on the 18th with Jake Owen gave great insights into Spieth-Owen’s golfing partnership at the AT&T over several years.
“What a great time we had this year, the crowds were really crazy this year even with the horrible weather”, Owen said.
“Just awful on Thursday and Friday, but Jordan just hit the shots, executed, and got the job done. It’s not just his swinging of the club, but between his ears, so important, and so strong. We feed off each other when we play, we have so much fun. Jordan actually called his putt on the 17th; I couldn’t believe it.
“He’s my friend too. We knew Kelly Kraft, a good friend from Texas too, was making a move and Jordan asked if he should get more aggressive for the team. No way,”replied Owen,” win the tournament, and I’m thrilled to be with you. Then I can come back with you next year and play with the defending champion.”
The pairing of amateur Carson Daly, a TV commentator, along with the Floridan Club attached Ken Duke will have their names added to the honour roll in capturing the team event.
