When Jordan Spieth won the 2017 Open Championship in rollercoaster-style at Royal Birkdale, it left him needing only the PGA Championship to complete the Career Grand Slam and a month later he had his first attempt at Quail Hollow where he watched close friend Justin Thomas claim his first major title.
In the eight that followed, he hasn’t really come close, and now as he gears up for his 10th attempt he admits that winning the PGA Championship is the primary goal he has in his career.
“So as far as the Career Grand Slam, this tournament’s always highlighted,” he said in a pre-tournament press conference at Aronimink Golf Club in Philadelphia. “If I can win one more tournament in my life, it would obviously be this one for that reason. But the easiest way to do that is to not try to, in a weird way, you know.
“Just go out and get ready for the first hole, get a good game plan in and attack it the way it needs to be attacked.”
With Phil Mickelson now seemingly destined to end his career without the U.S. Open title, and Rory McIlroy finally getting his long-awaited Masters win last year to join the elusive club, Spieth and Scottie Scheffler who needs just the U.S. Open are the two closest current players to achieving golfing immortality.
“It would be amazing, right, because it’s just a very, very short list in history,” Spieth said. “So, you know, at the same time winning the PGA itself, you get to then play in the PGA for however long they allow you to. I don’t actually know the rules on the PGA. Is it 60? Forever? Or till you’re possibly asked that maybe we celebrate this as your — the same way Augusta does.
“Just winning this tournament in general would be very special. The Ryder Cup’s been such an important part of my life, and The PGA of America, having my instructor that I’ve been with for pretty much my whole career be a PGA of America professional, so there’s many reasons.
“But obviously with having won the other three, that’s the one that everyone focuses on. But when I’m out here, and certainly when I get out on the golf course, I’ve been in contention a couple of times in this tournament. It didn’t feel any different than any other majors, so I wouldn’t expect to if I get there this week.”
While recent editions of the PGA Championship haven’t exactly played into Spieth’s strengths as golf course length and thickness of the rough ruled out anybody not finding enough fairways, the three-time major champion has seen steady improvement with all facets of his game over the past couple of years.
“My game has been getting better and better,” Spieth said. “It’s plenty good to have a chance to win. It’s about working my way into contention. I was able to do that a couple weeks ago. Being in the last couple groups this weekend the first time this season. Glad I was there and hopefully I can do that week and do better.”
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