Eight years after his victory, Jordan Spieth aims to revisit a pivotal moment from his 2017 Open win as he returns to The Open this week. The American golfer claimed his third and most recent major title at Royal Birkdale in Southport, finishing three shots ahead of Matt Kuchar after a tense final round battle.
Spieth led through the first three rounds of the Championship, but the fourth round proved challenging against a record crowd. He lost his three-shot lead early on the front nine and encountered a particularly difficult moment on the 13th hole when his tee shot veered wildly right. The ball’s position required a lengthy deliberation with officials, leading to a drop behind spectators and the removal of a TV van to clear the area.
The Turning Point Following a Tumultuous Fourth Round Slice
Although the 23-year-old faced a setback, he managed to minimize damage by taking just a bogey on that hole, a recovery that may have fueled his determination to secure the title. This moment remains vivid in memories of Spieth’s 2017 Open win, where he became only the second player after Jack Nicklaus to win three of golf’s four major championships before turning 24.
Yet, another significant event on the back nine, particularly on the 15th hole, further defined his comeback during that round.
Clutch Putt and the Command That Revealed His Focus
On the 15th hole, Spieth delivered a perfect tee shot followed by a precise lay-up, positioning himself 40 feet from the hole for an eagle putt. Standing over the ball, he struck it with pace, sinking the putt and moving to 10-under overall. His reaction was notable—not a hint of celebration, only a composed and serious demeanor as he pointed at his caddie, Michael Greller, instructing him to retrieve the ball.
With a focused tone, he commanded, “Go get that!” before turning away and walking toward his bag. This measured behavior reflected his intense concentration on securing victory, demonstrating the mental strength that propelled him to success. Spieth then continued the momentum with birdies on the 16th and 17th holes, completing his final round at 12-under, enough to claim the Claret Jug.
Historical Context and Spieth’s Reflections on Winning at Royal Birkdale
Spieth’s triumph made him the youngest Open champion since Seve Ballesteros, who won at 22 in 1979. After the win, Spieth shared his emotions, revealing how he had once drunk wine from the Claret Jug during Zach Johnson’s 2012 victory—a gesture some believed brought bad luck. He stated,
“I drank some wine from the Claret Jug when Zach Johnson won it two years ago and people said that was bad luck. I started to believe them too after nine holes today.”
—Jordan Spieth
He further described the achievement as a dream come true, emphasizing the rapid progress of his career and the fulfillment of long-standing goals:
“It’s incredible. It’s a life goal of mine. It’s a career goal. Growing up playing golf, I just wanted to be able to play in major championships and compete with the best in the world, and things have happened very quickly.”
—Jordan Spieth
Regarding the significance of the victory, Spieth remarked,
“This is as much of a high as I’ve ever experienced in my golfing life. And I’m going to enjoy it more than I’ve enjoyed anything that I’ve accomplished in the past.”
—Jordan Spieth
Current Prospects as Spieth Returns to The Open at Royal Portrush
Since his 2017 triumph, Spieth has not captured another major title and has struggled to win on the PGA Tour in recent years, with no victories in 2025 and his last event win dating back to 2022. Nevertheless, he headlines a strong field this week at The Open, which takes place at Royal Portrush in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, alongside Masters champion Rory McIlroy and World No.1 Scottie Scheffler.
At 30 years old, Spieth hopes to rekindle the form that delivered his memorable Royal Birkdale victory and perhaps repeat the commanding mindset embodied by that famous phrase on the 15th hole: “Go get that!” With the clutch moments still vivid in the golf community’s memory, all eyes will be on Spieth as he seeks to reclaim major glory on the challenging links of Dunluce Links at Royal Portrush.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Jordan Spieth a millionaire?
A. Since he became a professional golfer, he has been partnered with Under Armour. He also has endorsement deals with AT&T, Rolex, and NetJets. His estimated net worth is about $120 million.