Golf Talk With Greg Holman – #16

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To go that long without a win in your prime is a long drought. After his putter came to life in the third round this past weekend, he was destined to break that drought. Enter Brooks Koepka. He usually saves his best stuff for the majors. He started the day 5 shots behind Spieth and Xander Schauffele, Koepka posted a final round 6 under to finish at 19 under. A hole out on the 17th hole for eagle didn’t hurt, but he flat out played both Spieth and Schauffele on Sunday. Schauffele did birdie the 18th for an even par round to tie for 2nd, meanwhile Spieth was going the wrong way with two bogies on the front side, then like Schauffele, Spieth drove into the water on the 17th hole to end his chances. After such a dazzling performance on the greens on Saturday, he took 36 putts on Sunday to finish two shots off the pace in a tie for fourth.

Jordan Spieth is not one to throw in the towel though, this week the Pebble Beach Golf Links is the aside of the PGA Tour, and Jordan Spieth is off to a hot start. He shot a 7 under par 65, and is in a tie for fourth after the first round. Patrick Cantlay fired a 10 under 62 to take a 2 shot lead over three relatively unknown players. Among the notables, Hunter Mahan carted a 67 along with Daniel Berger, Paul Casey and Jason Dufner each shot a 68. On his favorite course Phil Mickelson struggled to a 74 and is in danger of missing the cut. Thirteen time winner and 49 year old David Duval carted a 77, John Daly who is battling bladder cancer fired an 80.

So what are Jordan Spieths chances of winning at Pebble Beach this weekend? He’s 3rd this year in putting from the 15 to 20 foot range, but only 132nd from 5 feet. He’ll probably have a lot of 5 foot putts this weekend on the tiny greens at Pebble. If he could make more of the knee knockers he’ll have a chance.

It’s my favorite tournament of the year, Pebble Beach. Coming up next week we’ll bring you the results.