The 21-year-old wins his second consecutive major
The 2015 golf season is well underway at the Chambers Bay course in University Place, a city just southwest of Tacoma, Washington. One of the largest tournaments in golf, the U.S. Open, took place last week, and it was nothing short of incredible.
History was made when 21-year-old Jordan Spieth proved himself to be among elite company, taking first place in a dramatic finish. While there are seldom opportunities for golf tournaments to be decided by a single shot, Spieth took advantage of the situation and calmly birdied the final hole (an amazing feat in itself).
Dustin Johnson, a 31-year-old American golfer who has seen success at this tournament before, held a comfortable lead for a majority of the tournament until the 18th hole, where he three-putted from 12-feet out. These three unfortunate and untimely putts placed Johnson in second place at the tournament, tied with South-African Louis Oosthuizen. The tension and drama filled the air—Spieth’s victory will be remembered as one of the most exciting finishes in the history of the U.S. Open.
Number one ranked Rory McIlroy was poised for a comeback after trailing throughout the entire tournament. While playing some astonishing golf in the back half, McIlroy finished on par by the end of the round.
Australian-born Adam Scott was another favourite who also placed highly in the tournament. Scott has won nearly 27 professional tournaments and has proven himself to be among the best in golf today. However, Scott finished in third place after being outshined by the young, up-and-coming Jordan Spieth.
Spieth, who also won the Masters tournament earlier this year, became the first player to win the first two legs of the season since Tiger Woods in 2002. Not only is Spieth now considered one of the best current golfers, but he is also one of the youngest players to have major success. With Spieth turning 22 in July, he became the first male player to win multiple majors since Gene Sarazen in 1922.
“I’m still amazed that I won, let alone that we weren’t playing tomorrow,” Spieth told reporters after his win. “So for that turnaround right there, to watch that happen, I feel for Dustin [Johnson], but I haven’t been able to put anything in perspective yet.”
For Spieth to perform so well on one of the most difficult courses shows his talent and dedication to the sport of golf. With continued hard work and consistency, Spieth has a chance to go for a grand slam by winning all four major tournaments. With the Masters and now the U.S. Open already under his belt, Spieth is looking forward to the British Open to be played later this July.