Jordan Spieth said Monday he is keeping pressure off himself as he heads to the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club, the major he still needs to complete the career Grand Slam. [1, 2, 3]
Spieth said he does not want to force the issue despite knowing the stakes. “If I can win one more tournament in my life, it would obviously be this one for that reason,” he said, referring to the Grand Slam. [2]
He said his game is improving and that he is good enough to contend. “My game has been getting better and better. It’s plenty good to have a chance to win. It’s about working my way into contention,” Spieth said. [2] He also said the swing work feels close to where he wants it, even if it has taken time to settle in. [1]
Spieth compared the process to smoking chicken on a big smoker last fall. “I was smoking chicken in the fall on a big smoker I have and it got up to 155 quickly and then takes a while,” he said. [1] He said that same sense of patience has shaped how he has handled his swing changes. [1]
The 28-year-old has yet to post a top-10 finish on the PGA Tour this year, but a T12 at the Masters and a T18 at the Cadillac Championship two weeks ago suggested he can still contend in majors. [1, 2, 3] Only 6 players had completed the modern career Grand Slam: Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. [1, 2, 3]
Arnold Palmer and Tom Watson also reached the PGA Championship still one major short of the milestone, like Spieth. The tournament is scheduled for this week at Aronimink, where Spieth will try again to join golf’s most exclusive club. [1, 2, 3]