Is Jordan Spieth The Masters Favorite?

As Jordan Spieth prepares to chase down Jimmy Walker at the Valero Texas Open, the twenty-one year old he has bigger goals for 2015 and beyond. The four shot deficit may be too much for him to make up on Sunday, and even if he does come up short it will still be another tremendous week for the former Long Horn. It’s just been that kind of year and that kind of career for Spieth who just always seems to be a factor every time he tees it up. As we are nine days away from The Masters he very well could be the favorite. That’s right look out Rory McIlroy.

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I know that all year long I’ve been saying that Rory is no doubt about it the best player on the planet. It’s not a crazy thing to say considering the guy has won the last two majors and is going for the career grand slam at Augusta. It’s just right now at this moment is there anyone playing better than Spieth? Since winning the Australian Open last November he has played in seven tournaments, with five top five finishes and two wins. He also easily could of won two out of the last three tournaments he’s played in. After just missing the playoff at Riviera he won in arguably the most exciting tournament of the year at the Vlaspar, and for him that confidence boost is big.

"“Going into the four majors of the year to have closed one out in this kind of fashion is going to give me a lot of confidence.” (Masters.org)"

For any golfer but especially a really good one, confidence could be a dangerous thing for the rest of the field. Right now it’s tough to find a player who is playing with more confidence than Spieth. The sixth ranked player in the world has plenty of momentum and if he can somehow pull off the comeback on Sunday, look out Rory he could be coming for you.

"“Right now what I’m really focused on is Rory McIlroy is No. 1 in the world,” Spieth said. “That’s who everyone is trying to chase. That’s our ultimate goal is to eventually be the best in the world and this is a great, great stepping stone.” (Masters.org)"

His Masters debut last year was almost perfect, he did everything but win. His second place finish will go a long way for this year’s tournament and the many more Masters we’ll see Spieth play in. Last year as a twenty year old he became the youngest player to ever sleep on the 54-hole lead at Augusta. For three rounds he looked light years beyond his age, and then Sunday everything finally caught up with him.

"“I let the 20-year-old inside of me just barely slip out,” he said. “I held it in so long of playing safe, and I hate having a 9-iron and not being able to go at the pin.” (Golf Digest)"

In just one Masters start Spieth has a better career finish than McIlroy. Yes they both held on to the 54-hole lead but Spieth staggered his way to a second place finish while McIlroy had one of the biggest final round train wrecks you’ll ever see. I’m not discounting McIlroy who will be the betting favorite and the player everyone will be watching. Just look out for Spieth, because he may be the real favorite to slip on the Green Jacket.

Next: A hot Sunday Finish at The Valero?

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