Jordan Spieth produced a moment of magic to win Travelers Championship
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Jordan Spieth produced one of the shots of the year to beat Daniel Berger on the first play-off hole and complete a wire-to-wire victory at the Travelers Championship.
Four years ago Jordan Spieth holed a bunker shot on a play-off hole to win his very first PGA Tour title at the John Deere Classic, and it couldn’t be more fitting that he replicate that feat for his 10th.
Both Spieth and Daniel Berger had sent their tee-shots left from the 18th tee, but luck would be on Jordan’s side as his hit a tree square on and bounced back in to the fairway.
However, it certainly looked advantage to his compatriot as for the second time in less than half an hour Spieth found himself in the greenside bunker somewhat short of the flag, while Berger pulled his approach just off to the back of the green.
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The two-time major champion had nearly holed out from the same position in regulation play to win outright, but had to settle for a tap-in and a play-off with Berger. Second time around, he wouldn’t make the same mistake.
After sinking one of the greatest shots to close out a potential victory, Spieth knew the title would likely be his, and he turned straight to his caddie Michael Greller and they body-bumped in celebration.
Berger wasn’t able to replicate Spieth’s shot and narrowly missing his own birdie attempt, but he didn’t seem overly surprised at his friend’s effort.
Berger said: “It’s just Jordan doing Jordan things.”
— Watch Jordan Spieth sink a miraculous bunker shot to win the Travelers Championship
And from the other angle, just watch the synchronised club toss/ rake toss celebration of player and caddie as Spieth notches his second PGA Tour win of the year
It hadn’t been an overwhelming display on the greens from Spieth in any form during the final-round at TPC River Highlands, so it felt somewhat just that his bunker hole-out led him to complete the first wire-to-wire victory of the Travelers Championship at this course.
“It was a battle. I got off to a great start. The putter let me down today”
“Michael was phenomenal today, I needed him more today than any other tournament.”
“I got really lucky, to hit the tree and it go in to the fairway. . . For the bunker shot to go in, that was awesome. I don’t know if I’ll ever have that feeling again. I’m going to enjoy this one for sure”
He got off to a dream start, birdieing both of the first two holes to put a distance of three shots between himself and playing partner Boo Weekly.
But by the fourth a wayward drive left him in trouble and he gave one back to the course, and then several missed opportunities slipped by that could have put him even further ahead.
As Berger surged up the leaderboard Spieth struggled to keep his cool, dropping two shots in three holes on 12 and 14 to drop back in to a share of the lead for the first time all day.
He quickly responded with a birdie on the 15th to briefly regain his lead, but as Berger carded yet another gain on 17 Jordan missed his own chance on 16 to move one shot clear with two to play.
Up and down saves for both players on the 18th were needed as they finished at 12-under-par, two shots clear of Charley Hoffman and Danny Lee. Spieth’s playing partner Boo Weekley sat one shot further adrift on nine-under with Paul Casey and Patrick Reed.
Jordan Spieth in the history books with win at Travelers Championship
With his latest victory, Jordan Spieth now moves in to a very special position in golf history that can really not be overstated.
At 23 years old, Jordan has become the second youngest player in history to win 10 PGA Tour titles. Sandwiched between leader Tiger Woods and now third place Golden Bear Jack Nickalus, it’s a pretty momentous place to be.
To give a little perspective: Sergio Garcia, who turned professional in 1999 and has spent most of his time in the World’s top 10, only achieved his 10th PGA Tour title this year at the Masters.
