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Only Jordan Spieth could be frustrated after an opening 64 in the Masters
AUGUSTA, Ga. -- Even with his latest impressive accomplishment -- becoming the youngest 18-hole leader in Masters history -- Jordan Spieth spent much of his post-round press conference lamenting the lone mistake of his opening round.
After six birdies in a seven-hole stretch, the 21-year-old Spieth reached Augusta National's par-5 15th hole at eight under and with the course and major championship scoring records within reach. Faced with a shot of more than 220 yards over water and a "flipping" wind, Spieth and caddie Michael Greller settled on a hybrid to take the hazard out of play.
"I was frustrated because I felt like we played it too safe. Felt like we were protecting something," Spieth said. "Michael thought that with the side wind, that it was a hybrid . . . He did exactly what I want him to do. It was also my responsibility to bet on myself to hit shot solid. . . . I needed to bet on myself to hit a good, solid shot there, and I didn't."
Spieth's approach sailed way over the green and it took him two chips and two putts to hole out for a disappointing bogey on Augusta National's easiest hole on Thursday. A closing birdie got him the shot back and gave him a three-shot lead, but finding out that his lone blemish cost him a shot at history left him slightly disappointed.
"I wasn't aware what the course record was here, let alone that it actually would have been the lowest round in major championship history. So that's a little frustrating, because I took a hybrid instead of a 4-iron out on 15," said Spieth, whose intense competitive spirit shows up when he misses pre-round practice putts.
"But I'm certainly OK with the day," he added, drawing a big laugh.
Spieth also drew a chuckle relaying something playing partner Billy Horschel said to him during his torrid stretch on Thursday.
"To quote him, he said, 'I need a tape recorder that just plays 'Nice hole, Jordan,' on each tee box.'"
Yep, Jordan Spieth had a pretty special day at Augusta National -- even if one decision kept it from being a little better.