Jordan Spieth not out of it, but needs a Masters Sunday spark

It wasn’t entirely a concession speech after a strong third round, but his message sure had the sound of one.

Former Masters champion Jordan Spieth didn’t announce he was out of the running for this year’s tournament but seemed upset with himself after failing to capitalize on the par-5 holes and spraying some of his tee shots, especially on a poor first nine.

“I just didn’t hit irons close on the holes that I really could have,” Spieth said. “But then I played a really solid back nine to have a fighting chance to at least shoot a good score and make this a real positive week.”

A third-round 69 leaves Spieth at 4 under entering the final round. And even though he made five birdies and was 3-under over the final 10 holes, he never could hit precise iron shots and mount a serious charge.

Spieth’s failure to advance can be traced directly to two completely opposite halves. He has gone 8-under on the back side but sits 4-over on the front nine.

“Yeah, just not great starts so far this week,” he said. “But the front nine is harder to score on than the back nine. I don’t think that’s totally out of the ordinary. I’ve historically played the front nine really well, and it sets up an easier time on the back nine.

“A little 4-under on the front would be kind of nice next time around. And then see if we can make more on the back.”

For a golfer who hasn’t won since the 2017 Open Championship and has dropped to 33rd in the world, Spieth was wrestling emotionally with the prospect of perhaps not winding up in the top 20. 

“Everything just needs to tighten up,” he said. “I hit some shots today that made me feel we’re really close, and I hit some others that made me feel like we need to start over. I think it’s really close. I putted the ball better on the back nine. And so if it clicks tee to green, it could be a really fun one.”