Jordan Spieth described his dramatic Open win “as much as a high as I ever experienced in my golfing life” after being put through the emotional wringer on a crazy afternoon at Royal Birkdale.
The 23-year-old from Dallas claimed his first Claret Jug and third major, becoming only the second player after Jack Nicklaus to claim three legs of the Grand Slam before his 24th birthday. Spieth won the Masters and the US Open in 2015.
However he did it the hard way, losing his three shot lead going into the final round, having to negotiate a full blown crisis on the 13th that knocked him out of a share of the lead with Matt Kuchar, before producing an astonishing burst of scoring that undid all the previous damage and won him golf’s most historic title by three shots with a 12-under total of 268.
“Today took as much out of me as any day I’ve ever played golf,” he said. “I guess it was eventful! 17 pars and a birdie would have done it too, but there’s a lot of ways to get there.
“What I know is this is as much of a high as I’ve ever experienced in my golfing life. And I’m going to enjoy it more than I’ve enjoyed anything that I’ve accomplished in the past.”
With three majors in three years before he is 24, Spieth still dismissed comparisons with Nicklaus and Tiger Woods.
“To be mentioned in that company, no doubt is absolutely incredible, and I certainly appreciate it,” he said.
“But what those guys have done has transcended the sport. And in no way, shape or form do I think I’m anywhere near that, whatsoever.
“So it’s a good start, but there is a long way to go.”
