Jordan Spieth has the career Grand Slam on his mind. The 2023 PGA Championship, the second of the tour’s four major championships of the season, gets underway this Thursday at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina. At 31 years old, Spieth arrives at this week’s tournament as equally motivated and inspired. He is especially inspired by Rory McIlory’s recent feat of winning the “Grand Slam”—all four major championships in a single career.
While the weight of pursuing this rarefied achievement is obviously felt, Spieth strikes a remarkably easy-going tone. He sure hasn’t lost any sleep over his stated goal to become just the fourth golfer ever to join the club. This exclusive club counts as its members Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods—and now, Rory McIlroy. This week, Spieth is trying for a ninth time to wrest the title away. Winning it would cement his legacy forever among golf’s all-time greats.
Recent Performance and Challenges
Confidence is the name of the game for Spieth as he heads to the PGA Championship. He’s had three top-10 finishes in 11 events this season. His recent play, highlighted by a tie for 14th place at last month’s Masters, underlined his competitive spirit after overcoming obstacles. Not surprisingly, he has had several surgeries in the past few years that have taken an extended toll on his physique.
Through his candid depiction of his reality each day, My left is double the size of my right for the next 30 minutes,” he said. Even as this makes him uncomfortable, he admits, he’s still bullish on his game. Spieth noted, “They say that stops about a year post-op, and it’s getting – some days are better than others… I’m still aware, but I’m not worried about the same thing happening anymore.”
Inspired by McIlroy’s Win
Spieth’s road to the career Grand Slam has been difficult and painful. Seeing McIlroy finally check off the last ingredient to his own career collection — a victory at last month’s Masters — has given Spieth a renewed sense of spirit. He was deeply respectful of McIlroy’s achievement. He continued, “Clearly seeing Rory win after having attempted it for several years was motivating in particular.”
That positive spark might prove a bigger factor as he seeks to conquer unique challenges awaiting him at Quail Hollow. Spieth’s comfort level on the course is another big reason for the confidence. With great flair, he stood there and said, “Don’t believe me? Ask me what the hole position is on any green here today. I’ll tell you how I’m going to play the hole and where I’m going to hit it.” That degree of forethought indicates that he is primed to leave another indelible impression.
Focused on the Task Ahead
Spieth carries the weight of his own ambitions. He cautions that while on the course, he doesn’t like to dwell so much on the Grand Slam. “When I go out and play golf, I haven’t even been really mentally processing it the last two months,” he quipped. His attention seems clearly aimed at implementing his vision instead of reflecting on missed opportunities.
As he heads into this crucial seven days, Spieth makes it clear just how badly he longs to win again. As he says, “For me, if I could only win one tournament the rest of my life, I’d choose this one for that reason.” His devotion and enthusiasm for the PGA Championship makes clear what a special and impactful moment this has been in his career.
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