Three-time major winner Jordan Spieth, trying to end a four-year victory drought, fired a seven-under par 65 to share the lead after Thursday's first round of the PGA Tour St. Jude Championship. Fellow Americans Jake Knapp, Kurt Kitayama, Michael Thorbjornsen and Michael Kim were also at 65 after 18 holes in the FedEx Cup playoff opener at sweltering TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee. It marked the most players to share the lead in any playoff event after the first round.Hot at their heels on 66 was a pack including major winners Adam Scott, Gary Woodland and Hideki Matsuyama plus defending playoff champion Tommy Fleetwood.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/commonwealth-fencing-championships-2026-india-clinch-maiden-overall-title-1786633880365">Commonwealth Fencing Championships 2026: India clinch maiden overall title</a>"Heat is the biggest challenge," Scott said. "Just pacing yourself. I don't think you can drink enough."You sweat a lot out there. The thing that comes with that is the mental errors. But overall, I played a pretty good round."American Daniel Berger was absent due to a back injury, leaving 69 golfers trying to reach the top 50 in points to qualify for next week's second playoff event in St. Louis.Spieth, who reached the playoffs without a top-10 finish in 2026, won the 2015 Masters and US Open and 2017 British Open but has not taken a PGA title since the 2022 Heritage.He reeled off five birdies in seven holes starting with a 12-foot putt at the ninth. He sank a 40-foot putt at the par-three 11th, a 24-footer at the 13th and closed the run on a 17-foot birdie putt at 15."I just tried to come into this week and be as patient, nonreactive, as possible, dumb it down to try to win," Spieth said. "Just knowing I'm a lot better golfer than I've been in a very long time and continue to believe in that."At 54th in points, he needs a good result to advance in the playoffs but called his round "about as stress-free as it can be."Thorbjornsen battled illness and the heat but had an eagle off an eight-foot putt at 16 and two birdies on the last four holes, closing with a 40-foot chip-in."It was a little tough dealing with the heat and there's still a sickness, kind of hacking up on every hole, but I was very solid tee to green," he said.Knapp birdied his first three and last three holes."I like that part of it. Opening with three birdies is always nice," Knapp said. "I hit the ball really well all day."<h2>‘Right on the edge’</h2>Kim birdied three of the first five holes and two of the final four."Nice to get off to a good start," Kim said. "Hopefully I can keep it going."Kitayama was three-under over the first three holes and also birdied two of the last four."Really liked how I hit it," Kitayama said. "I gave myself a lot of good looks."World number one Scottie Scheffler shared 17th on 68."I didn't feel like I hit a ton of fairways. I was in the first cut a lot," Scheffler said. "I did a good job of being patient and not trying to force it too much."I was right on the edge of having a good day kind of all day."Second-ranked Rory McIlroy, the reigning Masters champion, was 68th, next-to-last, on 74 after bogeys at 16 and 17 and a double bogey at 18, where his tee shot found water.

Jordan Spieth amd his fellow Americans Jake Knapp, Kurt Kitayama, Michael Thorbjornsen and Michael Kim were also at 65 after 18 holes in the FedEx Cup playoff opener at sweltering TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee.

Three-time major winner Jordan Spieth, trying to end a four-year victory drought, fired a seven-under par 65 to share the lead after Thursday's first round of the PGA Tour St. Jude Championship. Fellow Americans Jake Knapp, Kurt Kitayama, Michael Thorbjornsen and Michael Kim were also at 65 after 18 holes in the FedEx Cup playoff opener at sweltering TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee. It marked the most players to share the lead in any playoff event after the first round. Hot at their heels on 66 was a pack including major winners Adam Scott, Gary Woodland and Hideki Matsuyama plus defending playoff champion Tommy Fleetwood. Also Read - Commonwealth Fencing Championships 2026: India clinch maiden overall title "Heat is the biggest challenge," Scott said. "Just pacing yourself. I don't think you can drink enough. "You sweat a lot out there. The thing that comes with that is the mental errors. But overall, I played a pretty good round." American Daniel Berger was absent due to a back injury, leaving 69 golfers trying to reach the top 50 in points to qualify for next week's second playoff event in St. Louis. Spieth, who reached the playoffs without a top-10 finish in 2026, won the 2015 Masters and US Open and 2017 British Open but has not taken a PGA title since the 2022 Heritage. He reeled off five birdies in seven holes starting with a 12-foot putt at the ninth. He sank a 40-foot putt at the par-three 11th, a 24-footer at the 13th and closed the run on a 17-foot birdie putt at 15. "I just tried to come into this week and be as patient, nonreactive, as possible, dumb it down to try to win," Spieth said. "Just knowing I'm a lot better golfer than I've been in a very long time and continue to believe in that." At 54th in points, he needs a good result to advance in the playoffs but called his round "about as stress-free as it can be." Thorbjornsen battled illness and the heat but had an eagle off an eight-foot putt at 16 and two birdies on the last four holes, closing with a 40-foot chip-in. "It was a little tough dealing with the heat and there's still a sickness, kind of hacking up on every hole, but I was very solid tee to green," he said. Knapp birdied his first three and last three holes. "I like that part of it. Opening with three birdies is always nice," Knapp said. "I hit the ball really well all day." ‘Right on the edge’ Kim birdied three of the first five holes and two of the final four. "Nice to get off to a good start," Kim said. "Hopefully I can keep it going." Kitayama was three-under over the first three holes and also birdied two of the last four. "Really liked how I hit it," Kitayama said. "I gave myself a lot of good looks." World number one Scottie Scheffler shared 17th on 68. "I didn't feel like I hit a ton of fairways. I was in the first cut a lot," Scheffler said. "I did a good job of being patient and not trying to force it too much. "I was right on the edge of having a good day kind of all day." Second-ranked Rory McIlroy, the reigning Masters champion, was 68th, next-to-last, on 74 after bogeys at 16 and 17 and a double bogey at 18, where his tee shot found water.

Jordan Spieth amd his fellow Americans Jake Knapp, Kurt Kitayama, Michael Thorbjornsen and Michael Kim were also at 65 after 18 holes in the FedEx Cup playoff opener at sweltering TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee.

PGA Playoffs: Jordan Spieth fires 7-under to share lead with four others

Three-time Major winner Jordan Spieth speaks to WION. Watch this candid conversation.

Hero World Challenge 2023: Golfer Jordan Spieth speaks to WION

Professional Golf is racing against time to find a solution to the civil war that has torn the sport apart. Tiger Woods is on the PGA Tour's policy board and told WION on Tuesday that the interest of the players is going to be at the forefront of any decision going forward. Three-time Major winner Jordan Spieth joined the board after Rory Mcilroy's resignation and admits it is a pivotal time for the game. Spieth spoke exclusively to Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo during the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas.

Pivotal moment for Professional Golf: Jordan Spieth

Jordan Spieth will serve the remainder of Rory McIlroy's term as a player director the PGA Tour's policy board. Commissioner Jay Monahan announced the change to tour members on Monday. The term runs through the end of 2024. Spieth's selection was voted on by the five other player directors: Tiger Woods, Patrick Cantlay, Charley Hoffman, Peter Malnati and Webb Simpson.

"With Rory McIlroy resigning from the PGA Tour Policy Board last week, per the PGA Tour Tournament Regulations, the five remaining Player Directors have elected Jordan Spieth to serve the remainder of Rory's term which expires at the end of 2024," Monahan wrote to members, according to an email obtained by&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;Channel.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nfl-bans-denver-broncos-defender-kareem-jackson-four-games-for-risky-hits-660952">NFL bans Denver Broncos defender Kareem Jackson four games for risky hits</a>

"Jordan has extensive experience with the Tour's governance process, having served two years on the Player Advisory Council (2017-18) including PAC Chairman in 2018 and three years (2019-21) as a Player Director."

McIlroy resigned last week, citing the time commitment as the biggest factor. He also acknowledged that the agreement between the PGA Tour and DP World Tour with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), which backs LIV&nbsp;Golf, over future cooperation affected his role on the board.

Spieth, 30, is a 13-time winner on the PGA Tour with major victories at the Masters (2015), U.S. Open (2015) and The Open Championship (2017).

Jordan Spieth will serve the remainder of Rory McIlroy's term as a player director the PGA Tour's policy board. Commissioner Jay Monahan announced the change to tour members on Monday.

Jordan Spieth will serve the remainder of Rory McIlroy's term as a player director the PGA Tour's policy board. Commissioner Jay Monahan announced the change to tour members on Monday. The term runs through the end of 2024. Spieth's selection was voted on by the five other player directors: Tiger Woods, Patrick Cantlay, Charley Hoffman, Peter Malnati and Webb Simpson. "With Rory McIlroy resigning from the PGA Tour Policy Board last week, per the PGA Tour Tournament Regulations, the five remaining Player Directors have elected Jordan Spieth to serve the remainder of Rory's term which expires at the end of 2024," Monahan wrote to members, according to an email obtained by Golf Channel. Also read: NFL bans Denver Broncos defender Kareem Jackson four games for risky hits "Jordan has extensive experience with the Tour's governance process, having served two years on the Player Advisory Council (2017-18) including PAC Chairman in 2018 and three years (2019-21) as a Player Director." McIlroy resigned last week, citing the time commitment as the biggest factor. He also acknowledged that the agreement between the PGA Tour and DP World Tour with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), which backs LIV Golf, over future cooperation affected his role on the board. Spieth, 30, is a 13-time winner on the PGA Tour with major victories at the Masters (2015), U.S. Open (2015) and The Open Championship (2017).

Golf: Jordan Spieth replaces Rory McIlroy on PGA Tour board

Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy will compete against fellow major winners Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida next month for the seventh edition of "The Match", Turner Sports said on Monday.

The 12-hole, made-for-TV exhibition on Dec. 10 will be played under the lights and will be the latest event for Woods, whose schedule this year has been limited to three starts after a February 2021 car crash that nearly cost him his right leg.

This will be Woods' third appearance in "The Match" after he lost to Phil Mickelson in the inaugural event in 2018 before getting some revenge in 2020 when he and former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning beat Mickelson and current NFL great Tom Brady.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/frances-caroline-garcia-defeats-aryna-sabalenka-to-seal-wta-finals-victory-532098">France's Caroline Garcia defeats Aryna Sabalenka to seal WTA Finals victory</a>

So far this year Woods has played in April at the Masters where he faded over the weekend and finished 47th, withdrew in pain from the PGA Championship after the third round in May and missed the cut at the British Open in July.

For world number one McIlroy, No. 8 Thomas and Spieth (13), this will mark their debut in the series, which this time will serve as a platform to benefit relief efforts for Hurricane Ian which hit Florida's Gulf Coast last month.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/now-im-one-of-you-seven-time-f1-champ-lewis-hamilton-tells-brazil-as-he-becomes-honorary-citizen-532068">Now I'm one of you: Seven-time F1 champ Lewis Hamilton tells Brazil as he becomes honorary citizen</a>

It will also be the second time the exhibition has been held this year after NFL quarterbacks Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen played at Wynn Golf Club in Las Vegas in June.

Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy will compete against fellow major winners Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida next month for the seventh edition of "The Match", Turner Sports said on Monday.

Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy will compete against fellow major winners Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida next month for the seventh edition of "The Match", Turner Sports said on Monday. The 12-hole, made-for-TV exhibition on Dec. 10 will be played under the lights and will be the latest event for Woods, whose schedule this year has been limited to three starts after a February 2021 car crash that nearly cost him his right leg. This will be Woods' third appearance in "The Match" after he lost to Phil Mickelson in the inaugural event in 2018 before getting some revenge in 2020 when he and former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning beat Mickelson and current NFL great Tom Brady. Also Read: France's Caroline Garcia defeats Aryna Sabalenka to seal WTA Finals victory So far this year Woods has played in April at the Masters where he faded over the weekend and finished 47th, withdrew in pain from the PGA Championship after the third round in May and missed the cut at the British Open in July. For world number one McIlroy, No. 8 Thomas and Spieth (13), this will mark their debut in the series, which this time will serve as a platform to benefit relief efforts for Hurricane Ian which hit Florida's Gulf Coast last month. Also Read: Now I'm one of you: Seven-time F1 champ Lewis Hamilton tells Brazil as he becomes honorary citizen It will also be the second time the exhibition has been held this year after NFL quarterbacks Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen played at Wynn Golf Club in Las Vegas in June.

Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth to play in 'The Match' next month

Jordan Spieth survived a roller-coaster final round at the British Open to emerge with his third major title, beating fellow American Matt Kuchar by three strokes in a thrilling duel at Royal Birkdale on Sunday.

Spieth carded a one-under-par round of 69 to finish on 12-under for the tournament but, after three days of consistent golf by the American, it was a remarkable day of highs and lows for the 23-year-old.

The Texan began the day with a three-stroke lead but saw that evaporate on the front nine, where he made four bogeys and a birdie to enter the turn sharing the lead with Kuchar on eight-under.

The drama began when Spieth drove wildly into the dunes on the 13th hole. He was forced to take a penalty stroke after deeming the ball &quot;unplayable&quot;&nbsp;and after some confusion and a lengthy series of deliberations, he played his second shot from the edge of the practice range next to the television trucks.

Spieth scrambled to make a creditable bogey out of the par-four hole but that still handed the lead to Kuchar, who was playing the more solid golf as the wind rose and temperature fell.

However, the sight of his rival alone at the top of the leaderboard appeared to click a switch in Spieth who responded with a birdie on the par-three 14th, where he was close to a hole-in-one.

Spieth then brilliantly sank a 45-yard putt to eagle the par-five 15th and followed that with two more birdies on the 16th and 17th.

Spieth, who won the US Masters and US&nbsp;Open in 2015, has joined Jack Nicklaus to become one of only two players to win three legs of the career grand slam before turning 24. Tiger Woods was 24 when he won his third different major.

Spieth carded a one-under-par round of 69 to finish on 12-under for the tournament, but the final day was a remarkable one of highs and lows

Jordan Spieth survived a roller-coaster final round at the British Open to emerge with his third major title, beating fellow American Matt Kuchar by three strokes in a thrilling duel at Royal Birkdale on Sunday. Spieth carded a one-under-par round of 69 to finish on 12-under for the tournament but, after three days of consistent golf by the American, it was a remarkable day of highs and lows for the 23-year-old. The Texan began the day with a three-stroke lead but saw that evaporate on the front nine, where he made four bogeys and a birdie to enter the turn sharing the lead with Kuchar on eight-under. The drama began when Spieth drove wildly into the dunes on the 13th hole. He was forced to take a penalty stroke after deeming the ball "unplayable" and after some confusion and a lengthy series of deliberations, he played his second shot from the edge of the practice range next to the television trucks. Spieth scrambled to make a creditable bogey out of the par-four hole but that still handed the lead to Kuchar, who was playing the more solid golf as the wind rose and temperature fell. However, the sight of his rival alone at the top of the leaderboard appeared to click a switch in Spieth who responded with a birdie on the par-three 14th, where he was close to a hole-in-one. Spieth then brilliantly sank a 45-yard putt to eagle the par-five 15th and followed that with two more birdies on the 16th and 17th. Spieth, who won the US Masters and US Open in 2015, has joined Jack Nicklaus to become one of only two players to win three legs of the career grand slam before turning 24. Tiger Woods was 24 when he won his third different major.

American Spieth wins British Open after epic duel

Unheralded Charley Hoffman snatched the first-round lead at the Masters on Thursday as high winds punished the world&#39;s top golfers and favorite Dustin Johnson withdrew injured.

Hoffman, 40, posted a seven-under par 65 in conditions described by one former Masters winner as &#39;borderline&#39; unplayable. He took a four-stroke lead on a day of high drama that saw world number one Johnson pull out following a freak accident. &nbsp;

Johnson had a serious fall on the eve of the tournament and despite showing up at the course and practicing his swing ahead of his scheduled tee time, decided the pain from a lower back injury would prevent him from competing at his best.

&quot;I&#39;m very sad I have to do it but it&#39;s just a freak accident. I wanted to try and play but I&#39;m not going to be able to compete,&quot; he said.

&quot;It just sucks.&quot;

Hoffman, with one top-10 finish this year, put together a run of four birdies over the back nine to open an impressive lead over fellow American William McGirt.

England&#39;s Lee Westwood, 43, still looking for a major title after 75 starts, was in third place a shot further back on 70 on a day when top contenders suffered in difficult conditions on the 7,435-yard Augusta National course.

Reigning US Open champion Johnson had been the oddsmakers&#39; favorite in the year&#39;s first major golf championship after winning his three prior starts but hurt himself in a fall down stairs Wednesday at a rental house.

Without the world number one, Northern Ireland&#39;s second-ranked Rory McIlroy and Australian world number three Jason Day were tipped to be key contenders for the title.

However, neither had it their own way in the opening round, played in sodden blustery conditions.

Nor did another top contender, former Masters champion Jordon Spieth, who suffered a repeat of last year&#39;s quadruple-bogey disaster.

Beyond tough&nbsp;

The 2013 Masters champion, Adam Scott of Australia, said the conditions were beyond tough.

&quot;It&#39;s very difficult conditions and borderline (unplayable),&quot; he said after returning a three-over 75.

Steady but swirling winds above 20 mph (32 kph) with gusts twice that speed&nbsp;sending tee shots and approaches soaring off target and&nbsp;even kept balls rolling on greens.

Four-time major champion McIlroy appeared to be struggling in the wind and was three-over after the front nine.&nbsp;

He opened with a bogey on the first hole and dropped shots on the third and fifth to make the turn in 39. But on the way back he sank three birdies to salvage a 72 and a share of 12th place.&nbsp;

He was one shot behind England&#39;s 2013 US Open champion Justin Rose, who was in an eight-way share of fourth on 71.

Day also suffered in the conditions, returning a two-over 74 with a double-bogey on the 11th hole to share 26th place.

For 2015 Masters champion Spieth, the day turned sour on the back nine in a near repeat of the quadruple-bogey nightmare that cost him back-to-back titles last year.

The American, twice a Masters runner-up, had been five shots ahead on the final day last year before he imploded after taking seven shots on the par-3 12th.

This time out, he negotiated the 12th hole in regulation but took a nine on the par-5 15th, ballooning his score before sinking a birdie at 16 to limit the damage to finish on 3-over 75.

Spieth said the bogey blowout put him under pressure for the following three days.

&quot;I feel like I need to snag something tomorrow,&quot; he said.

One man who thrived in the conditions was former Masters champion Phil Mickelson, who fired a 71.&nbsp;

The 46-year-old US left-hander will replace Jack Nicklaus as the oldest winner in Masters history if he can collect a fourth green jacket on Sunday.

(AFP)

Charley Hoffman has a four-shot lead, while former champion Spieth had a nightmare in the back nine

Unheralded Charley Hoffman snatched the first-round lead at the Masters on Thursday as high winds punished the world's top golfers and favorite Dustin Johnson withdrew injured. Hoffman, 40, posted a seven-under par 65 in conditions described by one former Masters winner as 'borderline' unplayable. He took a four-stroke lead on a day of high drama that saw world number one Johnson pull out following a freak accident. Johnson had a serious fall on the eve of the tournament and despite showing up at the course and practicing his swing ahead of his scheduled tee time, decided the pain from a lower back injury would prevent him from competing at his best. "I'm very sad I have to do it but it's just a freak accident. I wanted to try and play but I'm not going to be able to compete," he said. "It just sucks." Hoffman, with one top-10 finish this year, put together a run of four birdies over the back nine to open an impressive lead over fellow American William McGirt. England's Lee Westwood, 43, still looking for a major title after 75 starts, was in third place a shot further back on 70 on a day when top contenders suffered in difficult conditions on the 7,435-yard Augusta National course. Reigning US Open champion Johnson had been the oddsmakers' favorite in the year's first major golf championship after winning his three prior starts but hurt himself in a fall down stairs Wednesday at a rental house. Without the world number one, Northern Ireland's second-ranked Rory McIlroy and Australian world number three Jason Day were tipped to be key contenders for the title. However, neither had it their own way in the opening round, played in sodden blustery conditions. Nor did another top contender, former Masters champion Jordon Spieth, who suffered a repeat of last year's quadruple-bogey disaster. Beyond tough The 2013 Masters champion, Adam Scott of Australia, said the conditions were beyond tough. "It's very difficult conditions and borderline (unplayable)," he said after returning a three-over 75. Steady but swirling winds above 20 mph (32 kph) with gusts twice that speed sending tee shots and approaches soaring off target and even kept balls rolling on greens. Four-time major champion McIlroy appeared to be struggling in the wind and was three-over after the front nine. He opened with a bogey on the first hole and dropped shots on the third and fifth to make the turn in 39. But on the way back he sank three birdies to salvage a 72 and a share of 12th place. He was one shot behind England's 2013 US Open champion Justin Rose, who was in an eight-way share of fourth on 71. Day also suffered in the conditions, returning a two-over 74 with a double-bogey on the 11th hole to share 26th place. For 2015 Masters champion Spieth, the day turned sour on the back nine in a near repeat of the quadruple-bogey nightmare that cost him back-to-back titles last year. The American, twice a Masters runner-up, had been five shots ahead on the final day last year before he imploded after taking seven shots on the par-3 12th. This time out, he negotiated the 12th hole in regulation but took a nine on the par-5 15th, ballooning his score before sinking a birdie at 16 to limit the damage to finish on 3-over 75. Spieth said the bogey blowout put him under pressure for the following three days. "I feel like I need to snag something tomorrow," he said. One man who thrived in the conditions was former Masters champion Phil Mickelson, who fired a 71. The 46-year-old US left-hander will replace Jack Nicklaus as the oldest winner in Masters history if he can collect a fourth green jacket on Sunday. (AFP)

Masters: Unheralded Hoffman tops day 1 leaderboard

World number three Jordan Spieth has pulled out of next month&#39;s Olympics because of fears over the Zika virus, officials said at a news conference held at the British Open today. 
 
American Spieth&#39;s withdrawal means the Olympic golf tournament will be without the world&#39;s top four players. 
 
Number one Jason Day, second-ranked Dustin Johnson and number four Rory McIlroy had all previously said they would not be competing in the event. 
 
&quot;It was out of concern at health issues we have been talking about (recently),&quot; International Golf Federation vice-president Ty Votaw told reporters at Royal Troon, referring to the reasons for Spieth&#39;s pull-out. 
 
Bubba Watson, Rickie Fowler, Patrick Reed and Matt Kuchar were also announced as the four players in the U.S. team for the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. 
 
Golf is returning to the Games in August following an absence of 112 years. 
 
Zika is a mosquito-borne virus that the World Health Organisation says is spreading rapidly in the Americas. 
 
(Reuters)

Jordan Spieth withdrawal means the Olympic golf tournament will be without the world's top four players

World number three Jordan Spieth has pulled out of next month's Olympics because of fears over the Zika virus, officials said at a news conference held at the British Open today. American Spieth's withdrawal means the Olympic golf tournament will be without the world's top four players. Number one Jason Day, second-ranked Dustin Johnson and number four Rory McIlroy had all previously said they would not be competing in the event. "It was out of concern at health issues we have been talking about (recently)," International Golf Federation vice-president Ty Votaw told reporters at Royal Troon, referring to the reasons for Spieth's pull-out. Bubba Watson, Rickie Fowler, Patrick Reed and Matt Kuchar were also announced as the four players in the U.S. team for the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Golf is returning to the Games in August following an absence of 112 years. Zika is a mosquito-borne virus that the World Health Organisation says is spreading rapidly in the Americas. (Reuters)

Spieth pulls out of Olympics over Zika worries

Treacherous and unfamiliar challenges lie in wait as the British Open returns to Royal Troon this week, and Rory McIlroy returns to the hunt for the Claret Jug. 
 
McIlroy, who leads a host of the sport&#39;s biggest names to have withdrawn in controversial circumstances from next month&#39;s Rio Olympics, is bidding to win his fifth major and second Open after his victory at Hoylake in 2014.&nbsp; 
 
Twelve months ago McIlroy was missing from the field in St Andrews after suffering an ankle injury while playing football, but he will tee off on Thursday morning in the same group as Bubba Watson and Japan&#39;s Hideki Matsuyama. 
 
&quot;I&#39;m excited to be back and to a golf course that I&#39;ve never played before,&quot; the Northern Irishman, number four in the world, told reporters on Tuesday.&nbsp;&quot;I don&#39;t really have any experience here at Troon, so it was good to get a couple of good looks at it last week, and then I just played another 18 holes this morning.&quot;&nbsp; 
 
Troon is where Tiger Woods first played in the Open as a professional in 1997. The ailing 14-time major winner is not in this year&#39;s field and instead the focus is on the current &#39;Big Four&#39; of McIlroy, Jordan Spieth, Jason Day and recent US Open winner Dustin Johnson.&nbsp; 
 
They have all withdrawn from the Rio Games amid much-publicised fears about the Zika virus, with Spieth pulling out at the last minute on Monday. 
 
The 22-year-old Texan will be relieved to be able to focus on the Open now after being hit with a barrage of questions about the Olympics on Tuesday.&nbsp;He is targeting the Claret Jug and a third major title having won the Masters and US Open last year.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;This is a very, very special tournament; everybody knows that.&nbsp;I crave to have that trophy in my possession at some point, and to reach a third leg of the Grand Slam this week would be a fantastic achievement and a life-long goal of mine,&quot; said Spieth, who is not in the best of form but has history on his, or at least his country&#39;s, side. 
 
The Open has been played at Troon eight times, with the last six winners all American, most recently Todd Hamilton in 2004. In 1997 the winner was Justin Leonard, a Texan just like Spieth. 
 
&quot;I don&#39;t think it impacts you, but I think it&#39;s very cool to walk through the clubhouse halls to see that,&quot; said Spieth of Troon`s history. 
 
Dustin Johnson may be the favourite and Day the world number one, but all of the sport&#39;s leading players must beware the potential pitfalls in store.&nbsp;Troon is home to one of golf&#39;s most iconic and deeply unpredictable holes, the 123-yard par-three eighth known as the Postage Stamp.&nbsp;Here is where German amateur Herman Tissies took 15 in 1950 but also where a 71-year-old Gene Sarazen had a hole-in-one in 1973. 
 
&quot;I think I took an eight or a nine, so that didn&#39;t go too well,&quot; McIlroy said of his efforts in practice.&nbsp;&quot;If you make four threes there this week, you&#39;re probably going to gain a bit of ground on the field.&quot; 
 
Then there is the 11th, a 482-yard par-four with the Glasgow to Ayr railway line immediately over a four-foot high stone wall to the right side. Jack Nicklaus took 10 here in 1962. 
 
&quot;They&#39;re both incredibly difficult, yeah,&quot; acknowledged England&#39;s Justin Rose of the two holes. 
 
With this being the first Open at Troon since 2004, the younger stars of modern golf are unfamiliar with the course, but one man who knows it all too well is Colin Montgomerie.&nbsp;This is the veteran Scot&#39;s home-town Open, and his 86-year-old father will become club president next week. 
&nbsp; 
Montgomerie came through qualifying and will hit the championship&#39;s first tee shot at 6:35 am local time (0535 GMT) on Thursday as he goes out with Luke Donald and Australia&#39;s Marc Leishman. 
&nbsp; 
The latter was involved in a three-way play-off in St Andrews last year that was won by the American Zach Johnson. It was played out in gloomy conditions on the Monday after wind and rain delayed the finish. 
 
The hope is for calmer weather this year, although Friday is expected to be particularly wet and the wind coming in from the Firth of Clyde is bound to make life difficult. 
 
&quot;If you get it breezy, like in any Open venue, this place really shows its teeth. I think it&#39;s a fantastic Open venue and a fantastic test of golf,&quot; acknowledged the current Masters champion Danny Willett. 
 
(AFP)

Rory McIlroy is targeting the Claret Jug and a third major title, having won the Masters and US Open last year

Treacherous and unfamiliar challenges lie in wait as the British Open returns to Royal Troon this week, and Rory McIlroy returns to the hunt for the Claret Jug. McIlroy, who leads a host of the sport's biggest names to have withdrawn in controversial circumstances from next month's Rio Olympics, is bidding to win his fifth major and second Open after his victory at Hoylake in 2014. Twelve months ago McIlroy was missing from the field in St Andrews after suffering an ankle injury while playing football, but he will tee off on Thursday morning in the same group as Bubba Watson and Japan's Hideki Matsuyama. "I'm excited to be back and to a golf course that I've never played before," the Northern Irishman, number four in the world, told reporters on Tuesday. "I don't really have any experience here at Troon, so it was good to get a couple of good looks at it last week, and then I just played another 18 holes this morning." Troon is where Tiger Woods first played in the Open as a professional in 1997. The ailing 14-time major winner is not in this year's field and instead the focus is on the current 'Big Four' of McIlroy, Jordan Spieth, Jason Day and recent US Open winner Dustin Johnson. They have all withdrawn from the Rio Games amid much-publicised fears about the Zika virus, with Spieth pulling out at the last minute on Monday. The 22-year-old Texan will be relieved to be able to focus on the Open now after being hit with a barrage of questions about the Olympics on Tuesday. He is targeting the Claret Jug and a third major title having won the Masters and US Open last year. "This is a very, very special tournament; everybody knows that. I crave to have that trophy in my possession at some point, and to reach a third leg of the Grand Slam this week would be a fantastic achievement and a life-long goal of mine," said Spieth, who is not in the best of form but has history on his, or at least his country's, side. The Open has been played at Troon eight times, with the last six winners all American, most recently Todd Hamilton in 2004. In 1997 the winner was Justin Leonard, a Texan just like Spieth. "I don't think it impacts you, but I think it's very cool to walk through the clubhouse halls to see that," said Spieth of Troon`s history. Dustin Johnson may be the favourite and Day the world number one, but all of the sport's leading players must beware the potential pitfalls in store. Troon is home to one of golf's most iconic and deeply unpredictable holes, the 123-yard par-three eighth known as the Postage Stamp. Here is where German amateur Herman Tissies took 15 in 1950 but also where a 71-year-old Gene Sarazen had a hole-in-one in 1973. "I think I took an eight or a nine, so that didn't go too well," McIlroy said of his efforts in practice. "If you make four threes there this week, you're probably going to gain a bit of ground on the field." Then there is the 11th, a 482-yard par-four with the Glasgow to Ayr railway line immediately over a four-foot high stone wall to the right side. Jack Nicklaus took 10 here in 1962. "They're both incredibly difficult, yeah," acknowledged England's Justin Rose of the two holes. With this being the first Open at Troon since 2004, the younger stars of modern golf are unfamiliar with the course, but one man who knows it all too well is Colin Montgomerie. This is the veteran Scot's home-town Open, and his 86-year-old father will become club president next week. Montgomerie came through qualifying and will hit the championship's first tee shot at 6:35 am local time (0535 GMT) on Thursday as he goes out with Luke Donald and Australia's Marc Leishman. The latter was involved in a three-way play-off in St Andrews last year that was won by the American Zach Johnson. It was played out in gloomy conditions on the Monday after wind and rain delayed the finish. The hope is for calmer weather this year, although Friday is expected to be particularly wet and the wind coming in from the Firth of Clyde is bound to make life difficult. "If you get it breezy, like in any Open venue, this place really shows its teeth. I think it's a fantastic Open venue and a fantastic test of golf," acknowledged the current Masters champion Danny Willett. (AFP)

Mcllroy of the 'Big Four' braces for Troon test in British Open

Twice major winner Jordan Spieth is still undecided about whether to participate in August&#39;s Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games or opt out because of the Zika virus like several of his fellow professionals. 
 
The American world number two is the highest-ranked golfer left in the field after number one Jason Day withdrew on Tuesday, citing concerns over Zika, a mosquito-borne virus that the World Health Organization says is spreading rapidly in the Americas. 
 
&quot;Right now, I&#39;m uncertain,&quot; Spieth told reporters ahead of the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational. 
 
&quot;I have not received enough information to make an informed decision either way or not so as we gather more information I will be able to make a decision one way or the other. 
 
&quot;When I feel confident, I will make a decision either side.&quot; 
 
Golf is returning to the Olympics for the first time since 1904, but the Games have already been hit by several high-profile withdrawals. 
 
Ireland&#39;s Shane Lowry, the world number 25, also withdrew on Tuesday, saying his decision was based on firm medical advice. 
 
World number four Rory McIlroy pulled out this month, saying the risk of contracting Zika was one he was &quot;unwilling to take&quot;. 
 
Fiji&#39;s Vijay Singh and Charl Schwartzel of South Africa, have also withdrawn because of the virus, along with Australia&#39;s Marc Leishman. 
 
World number eight Adam Scott has confirmed he will not travel to Rio because of his busy schedule. 
 
The Zika virus can cause crippling defects in babies and has been linked to the neurological disorder Guillain-Barre in adults. 
 
(Reuters)

Jordan Spieth, the world number two is the highest-ranked golfer left in the field after number one Jason Day withdrew on Tuesday

Twice major winner Jordan Spieth is still undecided about whether to participate in August's Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games or opt out because of the Zika virus like several of his fellow professionals. The American world number two is the highest-ranked golfer left in the field after number one Jason Day withdrew on Tuesday, citing concerns over Zika, a mosquito-borne virus that the World Health Organization says is spreading rapidly in the Americas. "Right now, I'm uncertain," Spieth told reporters ahead of the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational. "I have not received enough information to make an informed decision either way or not so as we gather more information I will be able to make a decision one way or the other. "When I feel confident, I will make a decision either side." Golf is returning to the Olympics for the first time since 1904, but the Games have already been hit by several high-profile withdrawals. Ireland's Shane Lowry, the world number 25, also withdrew on Tuesday, saying his decision was based on firm medical advice. World number four Rory McIlroy pulled out this month, saying the risk of contracting Zika was one he was "unwilling to take". Fiji's Vijay Singh and Charl Schwartzel of South Africa, have also withdrawn because of the virus, along with Australia's Marc Leishman. World number eight Adam Scott has confirmed he will not travel to Rio because of his busy schedule. The Zika virus can cause crippling defects in babies and has been linked to the neurological disorder Guillain-Barre in adults. (Reuters)

Golfer Spieth unsure about taking part in Rio

Long-hitting American Dustin Johnson, seeking major redemption after several near-misses in recent years, won the 116th US Open on Sunday amid high drama and initial uncertainty over his victory margin. 
 
In pursuit of his first grand slam crown, the world number six played clutch golf under intense pressure at the brutally difficult Oakmont Country Club, finishing in style as he sank a short birdie putt at the last. 
 
Having negotiated the final seven holes under notice that he might be penalised for a rules infraction on the fifth green, despite being cleared by another official at the time, he was docked a shot after the round&#39;s completion, with his score amended to a closing 69 for a four-under winning total of 276. 
 
After sinking the final putt to clinch his 10th PGA Tour victory, Johnson pumped his right fist in delight, and then lifted his putter to acknowledge the loud roars from the crowd before being embraced by his caddie. 
 
&quot;Feels good, feels really good, feels well deserved,&quot; an emotional Johnson said after finishing three shots in front of fellow Americans Jim Furyk (66) and Scott Piercy (69), and Ireland&#39;s Shane Lowry (76). 
 
Lowry had been four ahead after the weather-delayed third round was completed earlier on Sunday but he struggled in the conditions, piling up seven bogeys. 
 
&quot;I&#39;ve had a lot of opportunities that I didn&#39;t quite get done, so this one&#39;s definitely really sweet,&quot; said Johnson. &quot;I knew I was swinging well, and I just kept thinking, it&#39;s just me and the course. I&#39;m playing against the course. I can&#39;t control what anyone else does. So I just tried to hit golf shots, tried to hit it on the correct side of the hole, and two-putt.&quot; 
 
The rules controversy was sparked when Johnson&#39;s ball moved slightly as the American was preparing to attempt his par putt at the fifth hole. This happened shortly after his birdie attempt from five feet broke left and slid past the cup. 
 
He denied having caused the movement and the official accompanying the pairing decided not to levy a penalty. 
 
After being informed on the 12th tee by a U.S. Golf Association official that he might be penalised after the round, Johnson ran up a three-putt bogey at the 14th but otherwise displayed nerves of steel as he negotiated the closing stretch. 
 
He rolled in a 10-footer to save par at the 16th and thunderous roars of &quot;DJ, DJ, DJ&quot; rang out as the crowd gave vocal support to the tournament leader in his bid for a first major victory. 
 
Johnson had previously recorded 11 top-10s in the majors without winning, including two-runner-up spots, and he missed a three-foot putt at the final hole to hand last year&#39;s U.S. Open at Chambers Bay to Jordan Spieth. 
 
On Sunday, however, Johnson was remarkably composed in the circumstances and made several clutch putts on a day when the entire field struggled on greens running lightning-fast. 
 
&quot;After last year, to come back and perform like this, I think it shows what kind of golfer I am,&quot; said the 31-year-old. &quot;I&#39;ve knocked on the door a bunch of times. To finally get that major win, it&#39;s huge.&quot; 
 
American world number two Spieth finished a disappointing title defence with a 75 for a nine-over total of 289. 
(Reuters)

He was first cleared, then docked a shot for a rules infraction

Long-hitting American Dustin Johnson, seeking major redemption after several near-misses in recent years, won the 116th US Open on Sunday amid high drama and initial uncertainty over his victory margin. In pursuit of his first grand slam crown, the world number six played clutch golf under intense pressure at the brutally difficult Oakmont Country Club, finishing in style as he sank a short birdie putt at the last. Having negotiated the final seven holes under notice that he might be penalised for a rules infraction on the fifth green, despite being cleared by another official at the time, he was docked a shot after the round's completion, with his score amended to a closing 69 for a four-under winning total of 276. After sinking the final putt to clinch his 10th PGA Tour victory, Johnson pumped his right fist in delight, and then lifted his putter to acknowledge the loud roars from the crowd before being embraced by his caddie. "Feels good, feels really good, feels well deserved," an emotional Johnson said after finishing three shots in front of fellow Americans Jim Furyk (66) and Scott Piercy (69), and Ireland's Shane Lowry (76). Lowry had been four ahead after the weather-delayed third round was completed earlier on Sunday but he struggled in the conditions, piling up seven bogeys. "I've had a lot of opportunities that I didn't quite get done, so this one's definitely really sweet," said Johnson. "I knew I was swinging well, and I just kept thinking, it's just me and the course. I'm playing against the course. I can't control what anyone else does. So I just tried to hit golf shots, tried to hit it on the correct side of the hole, and two-putt." The rules controversy was sparked when Johnson's ball moved slightly as the American was preparing to attempt his par putt at the fifth hole. This happened shortly after his birdie attempt from five feet broke left and slid past the cup. He denied having caused the movement and the official accompanying the pairing decided not to levy a penalty. After being informed on the 12th tee by a U.S. Golf Association official that he might be penalised after the round, Johnson ran up a three-putt bogey at the 14th but otherwise displayed nerves of steel as he negotiated the closing stretch. He rolled in a 10-footer to save par at the 16th and thunderous roars of "DJ, DJ, DJ" rang out as the crowd gave vocal support to the tournament leader in his bid for a first major victory. Johnson had previously recorded 11 top-10s in the majors without winning, including two-runner-up spots, and he missed a three-foot putt at the final hole to hand last year's U.S. Open at Chambers Bay to Jordan Spieth. On Sunday, however, Johnson was remarkably composed in the circumstances and made several clutch putts on a day when the entire field struggled on greens running lightning-fast. "After last year, to come back and perform like this, I think it shows what kind of golfer I am," said the 31-year-old. "I've knocked on the door a bunch of times. To finally get that major win, it's huge." American world number two Spieth finished a disappointing title defence with a 75 for a nine-over total of 289. (Reuters)

Dustin Johnson wins US Open, amidst high drama and some confusion

jordan-spieth

Jordan Spieth, News on Jordan Spieth, stories on Jordan Spieth, articles on Jordan Spieth, Jordan Spieth stories at Wion, Jordan Spieth news, Jordan Spieth latest news

jordan spieth