Jordan Spieth Runs Away With 2014 Australian Open

Jul 31, 2014; Akron, OH, USA; Jordan Spieth tees off on the 13th hole during the first round of the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational golf tournament at Firestone Country Club – South Course. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

Twenty-one year-old Jordan Spieth told reporters after putting a three under 69 in the books on a wild, and windy Saturday at the Emirates Australian Open, that if the conditions continued into Sunday, it would give him an advantage at the Australian Golf Club in Sydney. The youngster from Dallas matched the  course record on Sunday afternoon for his second win, and his first abroad.

The 2013 John Deere Classic champ began his day, tied for the lead with Aussies, Greg Chalmers, and Brett Rumford, getting around the par 71 layout with four birdies on the front, and four on the back, but more importantly, no bogeys in the testy wind that persisted throughout the afternoon.

After a run of three birdies in a row starting at the fifth hole, Spieth cooled somewhat, missing greens, but putting his fine chipping game on display for the huge crowds in the Australian capitol. More importantly, he was able to make pars and card an eight under par 63 on a day when scores were averaging around par.

When he made birdie at the par five 14th hole, Jordan could smell the blood in the water, and picked up three more on his way to the clubhouse, including the 72nd hole. He looked cool, calm and collected  coming down the stretch. And unbeatable!

"“It’s been an incredible week from the moment we got here,” added Spieth.“I love Australia, the fans were fantastic and the golf course was in top shape.”“What an experience, one that I will never forget.”“I am for sure going to be coming back to Australia.”"

Playing partner, 37 year-old Brett Rumford hung with Spieth during his front-nine birdie run, but it was Rod Pampling, who was playing in the group just ahead with Adam Scott that applied the most pressure. Pampling birdied five of the last six holes to come home alone in second place.

Unfortunately, the 45 year-old veteran from Red Cliffe, Australia got off to a rocky start, and was unable to make up all of the lost ground before running out of holes.

Pampling posted a three under 68, and along with Rumford, and Greg Chalmers, who finished in third, and fourth place respectifully , earned a tee-time at the Open Championship in July. The three top finishers, who were not already qualified for the event at the Old Course in July, became eligible.

Jordan Spieth, who was ranked 15th in the world before the Aussie Open, and already qualified. Spieth will move up to 11th in World rankings after the win on Sunday.

Adam Scott finished his home, open championship alone in fifth place with a four-day total at four under par. The crowd favorite looked like he was going to be a player after birdie at the second, but a bogey at four, and a double at the par five fifth left him playing catch-up for the rest of the day.

Scott shot even par on the back nine, and was never a factor again, finishing at even par 71 for his afternoon.

Rory McIlroy had a second rough day in Australia. The world’s number one had some opportunities for birdies early in his round, but had to settle for pars when he couldn’t get them to drop. The putter continued to not cooperate throughout the day.

McIlroy carded a one over par 72 on Sunday, and never really recovered from the triple bogey he made at the ninth hole on Saturday. He got in the clubhouse with a two over par total, and tied for 15th place.

Jordan Spieth, and Adam Scott will make the long trip back to Florida for the Hero Challenge next week at Lake Nona, and a date with Tiger Woods.

Rory McIlroy is the only top player who will not be in the field next week for a shot at the $ Million Dollar first-place prize money.