Jordan Spieth :: ‘I envy Rory’

• Despite 2015 form, Jordan Spieth envious of Rory McIlroy
• “I wish I could hit it as far as he does,” said Spieth
• The pair have been grouped together for opening two rounds

Despite two major wins this year and the chance to become the world’s best golfer at the US PGA Championship this week, Jordan Spieth envies Rory McIlroy.

But the 22-year-old, who is aiming to become the first player in history to win the Masters, US Open and US PGA Championship in a single year, isn’t jealous of McIlroy’s position as the No.1 golfer in the world – but of his driving distance.

“Sure, I wish I could hit it as far as he does,” admitted Jordan Spieth. “I’ve got a little bit longer each year and hopefully I can continue to do so. But when he’s driving the ball well, just like Dustin and Bubba, and hitting the ball straight as far as they do, they’re playing a different golf course. And I certainly envy that.

“Rory’s an inspiring player and I enjoy playing with him” – Jordan Spieth

“There’s not much I can do about it right now except try to hit my approaches even closer and make a few more putts. But, yeah, Rory’s an inspiring player, as you guys already know, and I enjoy playing with him. It’s fun when you can feed off guys that are incredible golfers, but that’s kind of everyone that we play with week-to-week now.”

And after McIlroy missed the defence of his Open Championship title at St Andrews through injury last month, Spieth revealed he was delighted to see the Northern Irishman back so soon and is relishing the prospect of playing alongside him for the opening two rounds.

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“We’re all very happy to see him back,” said Jordan Spieth. “I was excited and what an incredible rehab that was to get back so soon and to get to 100%. I know he wouldn’t play unless he was, especially on this golf course because it’s tough to walk.

“I’m excited to just share a couple days with Rory and Zach as well. I played with Zach last week, he’s a good friend of mine. We’re going to have a good time, us three, and hopefully we can all feed off each other these two days. Hopefully we can all get into contention and it will certainly be exciting.”

Jordan Spieth tees off alongside McIlroy and Johnson at 1.20pm local time .

Jordan Spieth :: Three out of four?

Can the 22-year-old win his third major of 2015 at Whistling Straits? Leave your thoughts in the ‘Comments’ section below.