Open champion Jordan Spieth tipped to match Tiger feats
The American now has won three of golf’s four majors and is still only 23.
Four-time major winner Ernie Els believes new Open champion Jordan Spieth could emulate Tiger Woods and take his tally into double figures.
The American is three-quarters of the way to the career Grand Slam, joining 18-time major winner Jack Nicklaus in becoming one of just two players to win three majors before the age of 24.
Spieth can surpass Tiger Woods as the youngest winner of a career grand slam by claiming next month’s US PGA at Quail Hollow and Els believes he can elevate himself to the same level as Woods.
“Who knows where he’s going to end. He could go really big. He can go up to the 14 mark majors,” said the South African, winner of two Opens and two US Opens.
“When you get on a roll like that guys (opponents) kind of start knowing that you know how to win, almost like Tiger where people can maybe feel like they can’t do it against Jordan because he’s been up there a few times now.
“Myself in 1995 I had a three-shot lead going to the PGA and couldn’t get it done. 1996 I missed out with another very narrow loss (at The Open).
“I kind of stalled, I only got four, but if you get the momentum going the other way you can go win a boatload.”
Spieth recovered from losing a three-shot lead inside four holes and being one behind with five to go to win by three from Matt Kuchar at Royal Birkdale.
The American admitted the incident at the 13th, where he had to take an unplayable lie and eventually ended up playing his third from the practice ground on his way to a bogey, brought back bad memories of the Masters in 2016 when he squandered a winning position to allow Danny Willett to seize victory.
The 2015 Open champion Zach Johnson, himself a two-time major champion, watched from the back of the green as Spieth closed out his victory and was then presented with the Claret Jug.
He believes his compatriot is now right in the frame to be the next person to complete the career grand slam with rivals Rory McIlroy needing the Masters (in April) and Phil Mickelson the US Open (June).
“He’s got a better chance than most. It would be phenomenal, especially given the depth and parity of the game,” said Johnson, who shared a house in Southport with Spieth, Jason Dufner, Rickie Fowler and Justin Thomas.
“That being said two years ago he nearly did the same thing (winning the Masters and US Open, finishing tied fourth in The Open and second in the US PGA in the same year).
“It’s easier said than done but Rory, Jordan, they never cease to amaze me.
“I’m not going to say they’re Tiger Woods, because they’re not. That’s the best athlete golfer I’ve ever witnessed.”
