Jordan Spieth begins Masters defense with a magnificent 66
Much has been made of Jordan Spieth's miniature "slump" to start the season, but the 2015 Masters champ looked just as dominant as he did a year ago in his first round at Augusts National Thursday.
Watch @JordanSpieth's first-round 66 in under 3 minutes. #themastershttps://t.co/qiQwsKTAwm
— Masters Tournament (@TheMasters) April 7, 2016
Spieth carded a bogey-free round of 66 to post the low score in the clubhouse after going out in one of the early morning groups - which meant he didn't have to battle the gusty wind that picked up as the day progressed. Playing in a group with top amateur Bryson DeChambeau and Paul Casey, Spieth missed out on a birdie at the first par-5 of the day, but was 3-under after his first nine holes. After his drive missed the fairway on the 10th, Spieth drilled an approach shot to 11 feet and made the birdie putt.
There are still players on the course (Jason Day was 5-under through his first nine holes), but Spieth could become the first defending champion to lead after the first day since Jack Nicklaus opened with a 68 in 1966. The stats speak for themselves.
.@JordanSpieth has birdied 34 of his last 90 holes @TheMasters & has a combined 68.8 scoring average in his 9 career rounds at Augusta.
— PGA TOUR Media (@PGATOURmedia) April 7, 2016
1st 9 professional rounds in @TheMasters@JordanSpieth: 8 rounds under par, -29@TigerWoods 6 rounds under par, -21
— Justin Ray (@JustinRayGC) April 7, 2016
Most rounds led/co-led in #TheMasters, last 30 years
— Justin Ray (@JustinRayGC) April 7, 2016
Tiger 9
Couples 6
Phil 6
Today would be Jordan Spieth's 6th. This is his 9th round.
