The golf world has been waiting for Jordan Spieth to awaken from his three-and-a-half year slumber.
Jordy woke up in a big was on a frenzied Saturday at the Phoenix Open.
Player after player took turns lighting it up at the TPC Scottsdale, which was yielding birdies galore and Spieth found a career-high 10 of them. Spieth looked like the Jordan Spieth of four years ago as he hit good shot after good shot and put on a special show around the greens. By the time he finished, he tied his career-low round with a 10-under par 61 that bolted him to the top of the 54-hole leaderboard with overnight leader Xander Schauffele.
The two young stars will be paired together in Sunday’s final group along with Scottie Scheffler, making three players who were all PGA Tour Rookies of the Year to start their respective careers.
Spieth said his confidence has been returning and after he signed his scorecard said: “Obviously (confidence) went up another level after today.”
Spieth started an incredible back nine run of six birdies with a 70-foot chip-and-run from off the green for birdie at the 10th. “As soon as it came off the blade I knew it was perfect speed,” Spieth said. He hit both par fives in two and two-putted for birdies, made a 37-footer for birdie at the famous par three 16th then another from 29-feet for birdie at 17.
“I feel like I played with a lot of freedom today,” said Spieth, who admitted his mechanics are finally falling into place. “It’s been a long process. I hit some nice tee balls when I needed to,” added Spieth, who has struggled with his driver accuracy the past three seasons.
As much as Spieth wants to return to the winner’s circle, Schauffele has his mind set on victory. “I stayed patient. I wanted to get myself into contention. It’s there in front of me (victory).”
Schauffele also pointed out that a lot of players are happy to see Spieth’s game returning. “We’re all very happy he’s playing well again,” Schauffele when asked about Spieth’s 61.
Scheffler hole a nice birdie putt at the 18th to get to 15-under and joined the final threesome.
There were some very low scores in addition to Spieth’s gem.
Louie Oosthuizen shot 63 and got to 14-under along with Justin Thomas, who posted a seven-under par 64 to give himself a chance on Sunday.
The 5,000 fans on site made a lot of noise over the final four holes.
“For a while it felt normal,” Spieth admitted. “It got loud and rowdy.”
