US Open champ Spieth goes off the rails at Riviera
PACIFIC PALISADES (United States): Reigning Masters and US Open champion Jordan Spieth endured one of the worst rounds of his career Thursday, shooting a dismal eight-over par 79 in the first round of the Northern Trust Open.
The 22-year-old capped his poor performance with a double bogey on the par-four 18th, where the usually smooth-putting Texan missed three putts from eight feet or less.
"It is a day to forget," said Spieth, who had eight bogeys and one double bogey. "None of them (putts) seem to go in."
Spieth arrived at the Riviera Country Club as one of the favorites in the $6.8 million US PGA Tour event, which features a strong field. He already has one win this season under his belt, the Hyundai Tournament of Champions.
Despite missing numerous short putts on greens softened by overnight rain, Spieth says he is not giving up on winning the title.
"I'm not throwing this tournament away. I think there's a 10-under on this golf course and I'm not packing it in," he said.
There are 12 strokes separating Spieth and world number three Rory McIlroy, who opened with an impressive four-under 67. Spieth was 16 shots back of clubhouse leader Camilo Villegas
No one, especially Spieth himself, would have predicted the baff ling display. Last year, he was just a final-hole par away from joining a playoff and prior to this year's tournament Spieth called Riviera his "favorite course."
"I shot 80 before and I shot 79 today on a par-71," he said. "It is going to happen a couple of times in a career."
The 475-yard 18th was an example of Spieth's catastrophic round.
His second shot landed left of the green, leaving him with a downhill chip which stopped eight feet short of the cup. His first putt missed and then rolled three feet past the hole. He missed another short putt and settled for a tap in.
It was a far cry from the usual form of the player many consider the best long distance putter on the tour.
Spieth says the only way to bounce back is to remain positive.
"I felt worse after a couple rounds last week when I shot two under. It (negative attitude) cost me last Saturday. I have been trying to work on my attitude the last few weeks." - AFP