Jordan Spieth blasts ‘brainless’ putting

• Jordan Spieth describes his short game performance as ‘brainless’
• But the 23-year-old is only four shots off the Australian Open lead
• Puts short game issues largely down to fact he’s working on swing

Jordan Spieth described his putting performance over two rounds at the Australian Open as ‘brainless’ – despite lurking just four shots off the lead.

The 23-year-old, who is one of the star names in the field alongside Adam Scott, posted two-under-par on Friday for a five-under-par total and is inside the top ten within reach of one-shot leader James Nitties.

“I’m going to need to play better than the last two days” – Jordan Spieth

But Spieth, who won twice on the PGA Tour last season, is adamant he needs to improve to win the title he also won two years in what kick-started his sensational 2015 season.

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“I’m in good position a couple back but I’m going to need to play better than the last two days in order to win this championship,” said a visibly frustrated Spieth after his round.

“I’m still in it despite feeling like I’ve been brainless on the greens” – Jordan Spieth

“I gave myself a lot of chances but I made a six-footer and other than that I didn’t make anything outside three feet. It’s hard to shoot a low round with that being the case.

“It’s just the putter that needs improvement but I’m still in it despite feeling like I’ve been brainless on the greens. It’s normally a stronghold of mine and I take confidence because I believe it’ll be there when the weekend comes around.”

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And his struggles so far at Royal Sydney may not come as all that much of a surprise, given that the two-time major winner has barely practiced with the short stick since his last competitive appearance at the Ryder Cup.

“I haven’t practiced,” said Spieth on his putting. “I’ve been working so much on my swing that I’m lacking in the short game compared to what I normally do and it’s certainly showing up in competition.”

Watch his full post-round interview below.

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What does 2017 hold for Jordan Spieth?

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