Jordan Spieth in emphatic Masters start

– Jordan Spieth makes emphatic start in Masters defence
– The 22-year-old shot a flawless six-under-par 66
– “It’s one of the better rounds I’ve ever shot,” he said

Jordan Spieth made an emphatic start to his Masters defence in what he referred to as ‘one of the better rounds he’s ever shot’.

The 22-year-old raced to three-under-par after nine holes and matched that on the back nine, sinking a birdie putt on the 18th to set the clubhouse lead on six-under-par.

“It’s one of the better rounds I’ve ever shot,” Spieth told Sky Sports. “I didn’t feel like I had very good control of my iron swings today but I put a couple close on 13 and 18 and the ones that I missed were in locations where I could make par at worst.

“The short game was there today and the putter was too. In order to stay bogey-free, which isn’t necessarily a goal around here – it’s more about shooting under par – and that’s going to take a bit more in the ball-striking and patience that we had today.”

Spieth has now played nine rounds at Augusta National, with his worst round a level-par 72.

CONTINUES BELOW…

Spieth doubters ‘ridiculous’

Former Open champion David Duval laid into critics of Spieth after his flawless opening round at Augusta National.

Speaking in his role as an analyst for Golf Channel, Duval said: “Everything is working. You don’t get around a golf course like this easily. If you put a dome over it, it’s hard. Throw in the wind, it’s even tougher.

“To get around here without a mistake shows he is in complete control of everything he wants. People were getting down on him before the tournament and that was just ridiculous.”

Jordan Spieth :: Will he win?

Do you think Jordan Spieth looks in good shape to be putting on that Green Jacket come Sunday night? Leave your thoughts in the ‘Comments’ section below.