Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — There were instances where Jordan Spieth arrived at the PGA Championship and wasn’t even questioned about the possibility of achieving the career Grand Slam. However, this year, as he aims for a career Grand Slam at the PGA Championship, Spieth’s improved form makes the topic unavoidable.
Spieth Eyes Elusive PGA Championship
He didn’t consider it offensive. Actually, he somewhat grasped the situation.
“Frequently,” he stated, “I wasn’t in particularly good shape.”
But the situation differs this year. A month after Rory McIlroy finally secured the final component of the Grand Slam, it seemed appropriate that Spieth commenced the player interviews at Quail Hollow on Tuesday.
This marks Spieth’s ninth attempt to secure the fourth and ultimate leg. McIlroy required a record 11 tries (the prior high was three) before ultimately triumphing at the Masters.
Grand Slam Significance
“It’s always marked on the calendar,” Spieth remarked. “Personally, if I were limited to a single tournament victory for the remainder of my career, I’d select this one for that specific reason.
“Observing Rory’s victory after multiple attempts was inspiring. He typically makes it appear far simpler; therefore, it was undoubtedly at the forefront of his thoughts. Achievements of this nature are rare, and there’s a valid explanation. However, I aspire to participate and seize the opportunity as the weekend approaches.”
Past Performances at the PGA Championship
Since his inaugural attempt in 2017 (also at Quail Hollow), Spieth hasn’t come exceptionally close. His sole top-10 showing occurred in 2019, when even he conceded he needed to “simulate it” around Bethpage Black without performing at his peak, and Brooks Koepka possessed a substantial advantage.
Throughout his journey, Spieth has consistently regarded the PGA Championship as his second-most challenging major to secure. He acknowledged a degree of fortune when the tournament he least anticipated winning, the U.S. Open, materialized at the unconventional venue of Chambers Bay in 2015, aided by a late Dustin Johnson three-putt. In contrast, the PGA, typically favoring expansive courses with dense rough, hasn’t traditionally suited Spieth’s style. However, upgrades to his driver have instilled a renewed sense of assurance that he can navigate this major’s distinctive criteria. This season, he has boosted both his ball speed and accuracy off the tee while achieving three top-10 finishes during his recovery from wrist surgery.
“Given that my driver has evolved into more of a weapon than previously,” he explained, “it positions me where I feel marginally more at ease on these courses.”
Quail Hollow’s Unique Challenges
Considering his prior experiences at Quail Hollow during the regular PGA Tour stop — four attempts, zero top-25s — coupled with the pervasive, sloped Bermudagrass reminiscent of his upbringing in Dallas, this PGA Championship could offer Spieth one of his prime opportunities to enter golf’s most distinguished circle.
Spieth’s Optimism
“It’s a favorable opportunity this week, without a doubt,” he concluded.