The biggest headline going into this week was Jordan Spieth's case for a Grand Slam in one year. And he became the heavy favorite when Rory McIlroy was sidelined with a hurt ankle. But you never know at a course like St. Andrews.
Jordan didn't start of the best, but runner-up at the U.S. Open, Dustin Johnson, started off hot and ended up leading after 54 holes but, after a upsetting second-round, he started behind on Monday and had a luckluster performance in the fourth round. Another big story coming in was the Amateurs success during the open. 3 amateurs finished in the top 12 and Paul Dunne even had the lead going into Monday, he could just not hold on long enough.
The wind was crazy at The Open. I personally think it added to the excitement, on who would last and be able to hit good shots in the wind. I think that that Old Course did its job because nobody really had an opportunity to run away with it. The course really made players think shots through and it made every hole and shot count.
There were many guys in the mix on Monday but when Zach Johnson and Marc Leishman pulled away, it became a dogfight to try to catch up to -15. About halfway through the round, I noticed Johnson and Leishman were making everything they needed to and had an easy clubhouse score of -15. Jordan Speith really made a strong push and even got to -15 but couldn't hang on with a bogey on 17. He then hit a poor second shot on 18 which put him in a very tough position and just couldn't make a put. Jason Day also had a putt to get into the playoff and missed short.
Jordan Spieth had many chances. IF he didn't 4 putt or 3 putt several times. If his chip went in or if his putter started clicking earlier on, he could have easily ran away with this tournament.
Louis Oostuizen(won 2010 Open at St. Andrews), also had a putt to make the playoff and he made his is. Zach Johnson ended up winning his second major title at -2 in the playoff holes.
I was really disappointed when Spieth didn't win. He's played well most of the year. He did not play his best four rounds and he still was in the mix, that's how good he is right now. Even, though he didn't win 3 or 4 in a row. I will definitely remember Jordan's run for history. He is a very talented golfer, who I'm sure will win many more majors and if there's a guy who could win the Grand Slam, I think it will be him because of the way he composes himself. He's a great golfer but an even better person. In all his interviews he always says 'we', not 'I'. He knows it's a group effort and I very much respect him for his sportsmanship and classiness.
With this tournament, so close it makes me wonder what would have happened if Rory did not play soccer. If he had played. Would he have won or been in the mix. That's the thing with golf, you never really know, and that's what make it special. I'm really looking forward to the PGA, if it will be this exciting.
2015 PGA Champion: Jordan Spieth
Bold Prediction: Jason Day is in the mix once again, along with Rickie Fowler and Phil Mickelson.
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