Jordan Spieth: Expectations for Spieth in 2016

All eyes will be on Jordan Spieth after the season he had in 2015, but what can golf fans realistically expect from the 22 year old?

Five PGA TOUR wins, back-to-back majors, and $22 million in his pocket. That’s the kind of season Jordan Spieth put together in 2015, but with a new year ahead of us many are wondering if he can repeat his success.

For instance, Spieth won the Masters, won the U.S. Open, tied for fourth at the British Open, and placed runner up at the PGA Championship. During this major stretch, he set the record for lowest majors score at -54 and beat 99% of his competition in majors.

It’s unlikely the 22 year old accomplishes what he did last year. Regardless of what does happen, he’ll be able to take his experiences with him and use them in 2016. On the flip side, the Year of Spieth could also hurt him.

When you set the standard that Jordan Spieth did in 2015, following up with anything less is considered a failure in the mind’s of some of these golfers. I’d imagine Spieth has this same mentality.

“It will feel completely different for Jordan,” McIlroy said. “There’s so much expectation, so much attention and focus. And I think it is more self-inflicted pressure really as your expectations are so high.

He’s only been around the PGA TOUR a few years, but we are already starting to see the intensity and passion that fuels him. Knowing the type of golfer Jordan is, there’s no reason to believe that he won’t be going full throttle this year.

This is a good mentality to have, but it’s going to be difficult for him to keep the same energy in back-to-back years. Sure, Tiger Woods played at that level for 10 straight years, but that was Tiger Woods.

Historically, the odds are against Spieth. Only two golfers have won a major after a season in which they’ve won two and their names are Tiger Woods and Tom Watson.

The spotlight will also be much brighter for Spieth in 2016. He may have been on some radars starting off the season last year, but everyone will be on the Jordan Spieth bandwagon from here on out.

He’s going to have to deal with more media wanting to know about his every move. Whether he shoots a 59 or 80, they’re going to want to hear from him. Luckily, he’s carried himself with class thus far and I’d expect the same when the spotlight heats up.

More from Pro Golf Now

One thing that will fuel the 22 year old is that his counterparts will be chasing after him. Rory McIlroy is ready to regain his world No. 1 ranking and Jason Day doesn’t seem to be going anywhere either.

While this would deter most, I think it will play into Spieth’s advantage and keep him motivated to keep his foot on the pedal.

Spieth’s performance at the majors in 2015 was arguably one of the greatest in a single season on the PGA TOUR. Those memories are still fresh in his mind and he’ll be able to fall back on those experiences if he ever finds himself in trouble at majors this season.

It wouldn’t be unprecedented either. After falling short to Bubba Watson in the 2014 Masters, the world watched as Spieth learned from his mistakes and put himself back in contention . Only this time he claimed the Green Jacket as his own. It’s that kind of perseverance that he’s capable of.

Next: Jordan Spieth Says No Letup in His Game for 2016

Spieth’s year on the PGA TOUR starts this week in Hawaii with the Hyundai Tournament of Champions. It’s a tall order to expect him to repeat his 2015 season. He’s not likely to win five times, including two majors and the FedEx Cup. Or is he?

Home/Jordan Spieth