CHARLOTTE, N.C.: Jordan Spieth came to Quail Hollow hoping to follow in Rory McIlroy’s footsteps and complete the career Grand Slam.
After Thursday’s opening round of the PGA Championship, he’d probably be happy just to make the cut.
The 31-year-old Spieth struggled in every facet of the game at demanding Quail Hollow — off the tee, with his approach shots, his chips and even his putting — and shot a 5-over 76, leaving him 12 shots behind leader Jhonattan Vegas and all but ending his hopes this year of capturing the one major that has eluded him since he turned pro 13 years ago.
Spieth could never find his swing and repeatedly misjudged distances to the flag, leaving him scrambling for par all afternoon.
He managed to hold it together early and was even par through eight holes.
Then the wheels came off.
He bogeyed six of of the final 10 holes — chunking a chip from the rough on No. 11 and failed to get up and down for par on No. 18 from the rough, missing a 12-footer to save par. Spieth walked briskly toward the practice range after signing his card and did not take questions.
Playing partner Ludvig Aberg could understand the frustration, but believes Spieth will bounce back.
“Listen, Jordan is an unbelievable player and person,” Aberg said. “I was telling my caddie today that he’s one of the best, nicest guys in the world. I wouldn’t be surprised if gets someday. But I’m a big Jordan Spieth fan and I will be for a long time.”
It probably won’t be this year.
MGM Sportsbook now lists him at 1000-1 to win.
Spieth became the darling of golf at age 21 when he won the Masters and US Open in 2015. He captured the British Open two years later, bringing him to the doorstep of one of golf’s elite clubs.
But like McIlroy’s struggles to win the Masters until last month, Spieth hasn’t been able to capture the PGA.
He’s had a couple of chances.
He finished second in 2015 and tied for third in 2019. But over the past five years he has been in the middle of the pack — four times finishing between 29th and 43rd. Now he’s in danger of missing the cut for the first time since 2014.
Jordan Spieth’s chance at the career Grand Slam likely ends early with opening-round 76 at the PGA
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Jordan Spieth’s chance at the career Grand Slam likely ends early with opening-round 76 at the PGA
- The 31-year-old Spieth struggled in every facet of the game at demanding Quail Hollow
Ronaldo strikes first as Al-Nassr maintain the pressure on Al-Hilal
- 3-0 away win over Al-Kholood narrows the gap on Riyadh rivals Al-Hilal to 3 points at top of the Saudi Pro League
DUBAI: Al-Nassr beat Al-Kholood 3-0 on Friday to cut Al-Hilal’s lead at the top of the Saudi Pro League to just three points.
The Yellows moved into second place on 43 points from 18 matches, ahead on goal difference of Al-Ahli, who beat Al-Ettifaq 4-0 on Wednesday. League leaders Al-Hilal could only manage a 2-2 draw at Al-Qadsiah on Thursday.
After a goalless first half, Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring for the visitors two minutes after the break, following an intricate passage of play that concluded with fellow Portuguese forward Joao Felix setting him up from close range.
Al-Nassr’s second came courtesy of another Felix assist, when his corner was headed home firmly by Mohammed Simakan in the 53rd minute.
Felix himself came close to scoring what would have been one of the goals of the season, but his improvised “rabona” attempt was tipped over the bar by goalkeeper Juan Pablo Cozzani.
The home side were reduced to 10 men when Hatan Bahbri was sent off after 72 minutes, before Kingsley Coman wrapped up the scoring a few minutes from the end from the penalty spot.
In Friday night’s other match, home side Neom beat Damac 3-0 to move into ninth place, while the visitors languish in 16th.
Earlier, Al-Taawoun held onto fifth spot in the table with a 1-0 home win over Al-Okhdood, while the visitors remain in trouble in 17th place, second-bottom of the SPL standings.
