Jordan Spieth Wins the U.S. Open
By Karen Crouse, NY Times
June 21, 2015
UNIVERSITY PLACE, Wash. — Chambers Bay Golf Course had already served as the backdrop for one big event in the life of the 21-year-old Jordan Spieth. A month after Spieth won his first pro event as a PGA Tour rookie, he was a witness at a wedding on the grounds between his caddie, Michael Greller, and the former Ellie Morris.
Two years later, it was Spieth’s turn to have a monumental moment all his own. With a one-stroke victory over Dustin Johnson and Louis Oosthuizen on Sunday in the 115th United States Open, Spieth became the first male player since Gene Sarazen in 1922 to win multiple majors before his 22nd birthday. He also became the youngest winner of the national championship since Bob Jones in 1923. Spieth, the reigning Masters champion, is the sixth man to win the first two legs of the Grand Slam, and the first since Tiger Woods in 2002.
“I’m still amazed that I won, let alone that we weren’t playing tomorrow,” Spieth told reporters. “So for that turnaround right there, to watch that happen, I feel for Dustin, but I haven’t been able to put anything in perspective yet.”
Adam Scott, the 2013 Masters champion, who resumed working last week with Steve Williams, the caddie who helped him to his only major title, posted the low round of the day, a 64, to vault into a share of fourth at three under.
It was surreal for Scott to be chasing Spieth, who as a child ran down Scott for his autograph at the Byron Nelson tournament. He displayed the signature on his bedroom bulletin board in his family’s home in Dallas. Spieth recently moved to his own home, but Scott’s autograph is still hanging in what is now a guest room in his parents’ home.
“He certainly is making me feel my age a little bit if someone’s got my autograph on the wall and he’s playing out here,” Scott said, adding: “I think he’s handled himself incredibly well. I hope he keeps doing the same.”
On a day when his putts were not all falling and his tee shots took some strange bounces, Spieth showed a patience and maturity that belied his youth. His mettle was tested in the stretch when he carded a double bogey at the par-3 17th to fall into a tie with Oosthuizen. Spieth rebounded with two perfect shots at No. 18, playing as a par 5, to set up the birdie that sealed the win.
On his thoughts as he walked off the course at five under, Spieth said: “I didn’t think it was good enough. But man, I couldn’t be more happy right now.”
Cameron McCormick, who has worked with Spieth for nearly a decade, said Spieth’s ability to perform in the clutch could be traced to his “bulletproof self-image.” He added, “No matter what happened previously, he can will the outcome to his desire.”