Spieth looking for 'big things' at Masters

FORT WORTH, Texas -- Jordan Spieth, a 21-year-old Dallas resident who has climbed to No. 4 in the world golf rankings, will carry lots of momentum and a confident swagger into the Masters Tournament as he seeks to match you-know-who as the youngest player in history to collect a green jacket.

Tiger Woods, a four-time Masters champion, won the event as a 21-year-old in 1997. Spieth, who tied for second as a 20-year-old in last year's event, said he will be "looking for big things" to happen when he tees it up in Thursday's opening round at Augusta National Golf Club.

"I feel like I've been playing like a top-five player in the world," Spieth said before his opening round at the Shell Houston Open, which concludes Sunday. "My confidence is about as high as it's ever been. I feel as comfortable as ever."

He should. Spieth, a former University of Texas standout, began his final Masters tuneup at the Golf Club of Houston following a victory at the Valspar Championship (March 15) and a runner-up finish at the Valero Texas Open (March 29). Among PGA Tour participants, he ranks first in putting (1.673 avg.), first in top-10 finishes (five), fourth in earnings ($2,577,396) and third in scoring average (69.58) this season.

It is no accident, Spieth said, that the Masters will mark his third consecutive event in a three-week stretch.

"Historically, I've played well in the second and third week in a row on a stretch," Spieth said. "I just seem to get some of the kinks out of the way in the first couple of weeks and not make as many mental errors. My swing starts to really fall together, and my putting stroke as well, by the second or third week."

Spieth will put that approach to the test this week in search of his first major title. Below is a Q&A with Spieth about his season and his Masters hopes:

How special is it to be a career-best No. 4 in the world rankings? It's cool. I feel like I've accomplished the goals we've set out each year, this year. I try and set the bar a little higher each time. This year ... I've felt more comfortable in pressure situations. I've been putting better in pressure situations and that's led to some better finishes.

What did you seek to accomplish in Houston in your final pre-Masters tuneup?

I'm trying to trim the fat this week. I've had a few wayward shots lately. I'm trying to find a little straighter ball flight to take into Augusta. That, and nail down my short game.

Do you consider your game Masters-ready? Yeah, I think so. As long as I keep my comfort level and swing the way I've been swinging, then it should continue. I feel great.

What are the odds that you'll play a practice round in Augusta with Ben Crenshaw, a two-time Masters champ and fellow Longhorn who will be making his final competitive appearance in Augusta?

Mr. Crenshaw, I'm going to reach out and try and play nine holes with him if he's not already booked. Playing his last one, it's memorable. He's been a great mentor to me when I've spent time with him, whether it's in Austin, Augusta or Dallas. It's been cool playing rounds of golf with him and just watching his stroke. I've learned a lot just from watching.

How focused are you on the No. 1 spot in the world rankings?

I'm inching closer each week. I have an opportunity to move closer and closer, and I'm just trying to take advantage of it. I'm not pinching myself because there's still three guys ahead. I'm just trying to climb up.

How much would it mean to win your first Masters at 21, matching Tiger Woods in that department?

That would be really cool. Hopefully, I can stay calm and collected and just try and pick some tight lines off the tee ... and keep putting consistently. That's what I have in mind. Anything can happen. I'm going to go into next week looking to try and compete, see if I can get in position [to win] like last year.

This article was written by Jimmy Burch from Fort Worth Star-Telegram and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network.