Photo: DR

Everything seems so simple at this tender age and then suddenly, the machine seizes up, doubt sets in. The appreciation of trust is truly revealed when it is lost. The 26-year-old Texan Jordan Spieth, former world number one five years ago, is experiencing it today. From the shores to the abyss, how such a descent into hell is possible?

The American “wonder boy” triple winner in Majors (Masters and US Open in 2015 then British Open in 2017) has not lifted any trophies since his victory at Royal Birkdale in England almost three years ago. 44th in the current world ranking, his putting sparked again (second last year on the putting average on the American circuit) but the concern still lies with regard to his long game. a solid number one rank for his consistency from tee to green in 2017, he dropped to 157th at the end of the 2019 season (www.pgatour.com). Thanks to the magic of his most faithful "friend", he won an eighth place in South Korea last October and played the four rounds of the three competitions contested since the start of his season.

For such a champion who reached the heights so young (it only took him seven months to win his first professional tournament then aged 21), the expectations are very high… The rise was so fast, his iron playing and his putting so spectacular that he became somewhat predictable that a "lull" will occur. The omnipresence of the means of communication reinforces this “tyrannical” pressure on a sincere athlete who remains despite everything in the prime of life. Like Tiger Woods in 2013 when he won five tournaments, the media insinuated that he had had a mediocre season… The demands of the high level are such that the slightest vacillation can mean many places lost or even a cut * 2 missed, and the tumble begins. With instinctive and fluid golf, the destabilized golfer suddenly finds himself in a desperate search for the perfect golf swing. Losing all lucidity, the visualization of success becomes "mission impossible" and the diameter of the holes shrinks visibly ...

DR

Regarding Jordan Spieth, who is not particularly distinguished by his striking (307th on the circuit on the PGA Tour), his incredible putting allowed him to relieve his great game and to express himself fully because he knew he was always, or almost always, to catch a stray shot. From then on his precision with irons was remarkable. All it took was a few misses followed by stranded putts on the edge of the hole to be relayed to the depths of the standings. Spieth alleges some technical errors, notably in alignment (Golf Digest, August 13, 2019). It turns out that the Australian Cameron McCormick, his coach since he was 12, instilled in him an unorthodox movement with in particular a position of the left arm bent on impact.

Of course, he is looking for a mechanical reason and maybe an outside opinion would prove beneficial after all these years under the same authority. In addition, according to the 64-year-old Australian double Claret Jug * winner Greg Norman, who also went through a "complicated" period in 1992 after two years without trophies, he admitted to resuming success when he managed to face his fears and frustrations (Golf Digest, March 12, 2019). As always, the solution lies within yourself ...

Jordan Spieth in search of the "keys" of putting with his coach Cameron McCormick

Jordan Spieth in search of the "keys" to putting with his coach Cameron McCormick - Photo: DR

Jordan Spieth's marriage in November 2018 with his youthful love, Annie Verret and the possibility of fatherhood undoubtedly also upset her balance. He keeps repeating that he has started a "process", that he needs more repetitions and that the good results will soon arrive. Does this sound familiar (ref: Tiger Woods)? However, only regularity in the limelight, ie in competition, can herald a comeback among the world's elite. Statistical to say the least confusing in August 2019, he realized the biggest difference between his scores of the week and those of the weekend on the American circuit; or more than 3,2 points of differences, the most important of the Tour!

DR

Nor should we overlook her authentic and generous relationship with the media. which must further increase the pressure. (Tiger is a textbook case of "neither too much nor too little" in order to preserve yourself and stay focused on your game and your real goals).

Following the news two weeks ago of a bad cold, Jordan is expected to return to the fairways later this month in Torrey Pines, Calif. We can bet that this fabulous natural talent, idol of the young generation by his kindness and his sportsmanship quickly finds the paths to glory. Golf can be proud of such a personality and Augusta * 4 would be able to constitute this fantastic opportunity; he's finished in the top three four times in five appearances. After all

How about a second green jacket? - Jordan Spieth - Photo: DR

The Masters is traditionally the theater of prodigious feats… Let's make a wish!

* 1 British Open Cup
* 2 Qualification stage
* 3 Augusta National course where the Masters takes place every year

KMA is a former player on the European Circuit, correspondent for Golf Magazine USA, co-owner of Le Grand Saint