McIlroy & Spieth: Who achieves the grand slam first?

[Danny16]

I will say Spieth simply because of putting, short game, and iron play. Kind of reminded me of Tiger a little this week at the open, drove it all over the place but saved par and made birdies anyways. No where near his A game with the driver, yet still wins by 3 over Kuchar who basically put on a ball striking clinic in the final round. The putter is the great equalizer!!!

 

On a side note, I realize Spieth just won and Rory finished 4th at the Open, but to have them tied as favorites at the PGA just doesn't make sense to me. For one, Rory never even contended at the Open. Back doored a 4th place finish and never even sniffed at the top of the leaderboard all week, so what makes him a favorite at the PGA? His game is not solid right now. If Spieth drives the ball at the PGA like he did at the Open, then he has little chance of winning. PGA will be way more penalizing for bad tee shots. The PGA also has a history of first time winners and with Kuchar's recent form and his ball striking I really like his chances over Spieth and Rory.

 

Kuchar is going off at 40-1 odds right now.

 

Typically courses don't play fast in the PGA. They have to keep the fairways watered due to the time of year. The course is 7400 yards so the driver will be far more important than it was last week.

 

Not sure how Rory/Jordan have done at this course in the past but that may factor into it.

 

Also keep in mind that even though Rory has been struggling with injuries and has played only 9 events on tour he still has 5 top 10s. He was 5 over after 6 holes last week but still finished 4th.

 

How many of those top 10s has Rory really contended in? He wasn't even close to a factor this week. Spieth was 3 over through 4 and still won. He was 4 over with 5 to play and won. Golf tournaments are 72 holes

[SkiSchoolPro]

I'll go with Spieth 1st for the GS in part because he has the next chance to do it (and like Rory, has won back to back majors).

 

I disagree that the PGA is "easier" to win than the Masters ASSUMING you are a top 50 player who gets invited to both. Why? The PGA has a stronger field than the Masters with more total players and more top 100 players. People might think the PGA as "easier" to win because there have been more "no-names" to win, but this is exactly why it is harder for established players to win. Going back to Nelson, if you total the major wins by guys who ended up with 3 or 4 legs of the GS, there are more Masters victories than PGA victories.

 

I also disagree with those that feel Rory can't win at Augusta...it is the only major he has 4 straight top 10s in. Maybe the demons will get him, but he can win at Augusta.

 

Total could go either way, but I'll take Spieth...younger with lots of drive and a great head on his shoulders.

 

Winning majors is not easy with lot's of good players out there, including Koepka, who seems to come prepared for every major he tees it up (14 straight cuts made, 11 straight top 33s, 4 straight top 11s, 4 top 6s last 7 played)

[ex0dus]

I will say Spieth simply because of putting, short game, and iron play. Kind of reminded me of Tiger a little this week at the open, drove it all over the place but saved par and made birdies anyways. No where near his A game with the driver, yet still wins by 3 over Kuchar who basically put on a ball striking clinic in the final round. The putter is the great equalizer!!!

 

On a side note, I realize Spieth just won and Rory finished 4th at the Open, but to have them tied as favorites at the PGA just doesn't make sense to me. For one, Rory never even contended at the Open. Back doored a 4th place finish and never even sniffed at the top of the leaderboard all week, so what makes him a favorite at the PGA? His game is not solid right now. If Spieth drives the ball at the PGA like he did at the Open, then he has little chance of winning. PGA will be way more penalizing for bad tee shots. The PGA also has a history of first time winners and with Kuchar's recent form and his ball striking I really like his chances over Spieth and Rory.

 

Kuchar is going off at 40-1 odds right now.

 

Typically courses don't play fast in the PGA. They have to keep the fairways watered due to the time of year. The course is 7400 yards so the driver will be far more important than it was last week.

 

Not sure how Rory/Jordan have done at this course in the past but that may factor into it.

 

Also keep in mind that even though Rory has been struggling with injuries and has played only 9 events on tour he still has 5 top 10s. He was 5 over after 6 holes last week but still finished 4th.

 

How many of those top 10s has Rory really contended in? He wasn't even close to a factor this week. Spieth was 3 over through 4 and still won. He was 4 over with 5 to play and won. Golf tournaments are 72 holes

 

 

Las Vegas doesn't care whether or not Rory had a chance to win last week. They are making a projection for the next major. They see a 4 time major winner who is getting his health and his game back, and whose driver will be a much bigger factor in the PGA.

 

Even though Jordan won his tee shots weren't good, and that will be a bigger problem at the PGA than it was at the Open.

[MMB1500]

I will say Spieth simply because of putting, short game, and iron play. Kind of reminded me of Tiger a little this week at the open, drove it all over the place but saved par and made birdies anyways. No where near his A game with the driver, yet still wins by 3 over Kuchar who basically put on a ball striking clinic in the final round. The putter is the great equalizer!!!

 

On a side note, I realize Spieth just won and Rory finished 4th at the Open, but to have them tied as favorites at the PGA just doesn't make sense to me. For one, Rory never even contended at the Open. Back doored a 4th place finish and never even sniffed at the top of the leaderboard all week, so what makes him a favorite at the PGA? His game is not solid right now. If Spieth drives the ball at the PGA like he did at the Open, then he has little chance of winning. PGA will be way more penalizing for bad tee shots. The PGA also has a history of first time winners and with Kuchar's recent form and his ball striking I really like his chances over Spieth and Rory.

 

Kuchar is going off at 40-1 odds right now.

 

Typically courses don't play fast in the PGA. They have to keep the fairways watered due to the time of year. The course is 7400 yards so the driver will be far more important than it was last week.

 

Not sure how Rory/Jordan have done at this course in the past but that may factor into it.

 

Also keep in mind that even though Rory has been struggling with injuries and has played only 9 events on tour he still has 5 top 10s. He was 5 over after 6 holes last week but still finished 4th.

 

How many of those top 10s has Rory really contended in? He wasn't even close to a factor this week. Spieth was 3 over through 4 and still won. He was 4 over with 5 to play and won. Golf tournaments are 72 holes

 

 

Las Vegas doesn't care whether or not Rory had a chance to win last week. They are making a projection for the next major. They see a 4 time major winner who is getting his health and his game back, and whose driver will be a much bigger factor in the PGA.

 

Even though Jordan won his tee shots weren't good, and that will be a bigger problem at the PGA than it was at the Open.

 

But McIlroy's driver is really not the weapon it used to be. For of thing he's not particularly accurate with it (it's a surprise when he actually hits a fairway). Plus guys bombing it over 300 are a dime a dozen.

 

That said the nearer the green, the worse McIlroy's game gets. The opposite could probably be said of Spieth.

[cdnglf]

I will say Spieth simply because of putting, short game, and iron play. Kind of reminded me of Tiger a little this week at the open, drove it all over the place but saved par and made birdies anyways. No where near his A game with the driver, yet still wins by 3 over Kuchar who basically put on a ball striking clinic in the final round. The putter is the great equalizer!!!

 

On a side note, I realize Spieth just won and Rory finished 4th at the Open, but to have them tied as favorites at the PGA just doesn't make sense to me. For one, Rory never even contended at the Open. Back doored a 4th place finish and never even sniffed at the top of the leaderboard all week, so what makes him a favorite at the PGA? His game is not solid right now. If Spieth drives the ball at the PGA like he did at the Open, then he has little chance of winning. PGA will be way more penalizing for bad tee shots. The PGA also has a history of first time winners and with Kuchar's recent form and his ball striking I really like his chances over Spieth and Rory.

 

Kuchar is going off at 40-1 odds right now.

 

Typically courses don't play fast in the PGA. They have to keep the fairways watered due to the time of year. The course is 7400 yards so the driver will be far more important than it was last week.

 

Not sure how Rory/Jordan have done at this course in the past but that may factor into it.

 

Also keep in mind that even though Rory has been struggling with injuries and has played only 9 events on tour he still has 5 top 10s. He was 5 over after 6 holes last week but still finished 4th.

 

How many of those top 10s has Rory really contended in? He wasn't even close to a factor this week. Spieth was 3 over through 4 and still won. He was 4 over with 5 to play and won. Golf tournaments are 72 holes

 

 

Las Vegas doesn't care whether or not Rory had a chance to win last week. They are making a projection for the next major. They see a 4 time major winner who is getting his health and his game back, and whose driver will be a much bigger factor in the PGA.

 

Even though Jordan won his tee shots weren't good, and that will be a bigger problem at the PGA than it was at the Open.

 

But McIlroy's driver is really not the weapon it used to be. For of thing he's not particularly accurate with it (it's a surprise when he actually hits a fairway). Plus guys bombing it over 300 are a dime a dozen.

 

Might want to check SG OTT.

[bscinstnct]

Neither.

 

But that's ok. These guys didn't either

 

 

 

[MK7Golf21]

Id say Speith even though I think Mcilroy has better game. Mcilroy has been kinda selling out and has been trying to get 100 health.

 

"best ball Ive played, ever"

[widow-maker]

I used to think that Rory had the perfect game for Augusta, but that was before his putter started to get balky on him. It's hard to win at Augusta if your putter isn't working. So, I guess I'd say Spieth. But... I think that Rory will win a PGA before Spieth does, and it very well could be this year. There are certain courses that fit McIlroy's wheelhouse and this years PGA is one of them.

[mwkbmw]

Id say Speith even though I think Mcilroy has better game. Mcilroy has been kinda selling out and has been trying to get 100 health.

 

"best ball Ive played, ever"

 

Does that mean that Dustin Johnson, Jason Day, Sergio Garcia, Justin Rose and John Rahm all "sold out", as well? I can't believe that those guys would even consider playing Taylormade equipment knowing that all the guys on the WRX hate Taylormade.

 

You know, maybe, just maybe, it really is the best ball he has ever played. I played the premium ball that Titleist has offered for most of my life. I don't know if it was mental, but I had a difficult time looking down and not seeing a Titleist ball. I have played the Taylormade premium balls the last couple of years simply because they are, for me, the best ball I have ever played. I can guarantee you, that if I played for a living, I would not play a ball that was not the best for my game.

[ex0dus]

 

But McIlroy's driver is really not the weapon it used to be. For of thing he's not particularly accurate with it (it's a surprise when he actually hits a fairway). Plus guys bombing it over 300 are a dime a dozen.

 

That said the nearer the green, the worse McIlroy's game gets. The opposite could probably be said of Spieth.

 

 

Rorys strokes gained is 1.26 off the tee (.834 on approaches) in spite of struggling with injuries.

[TheYipS]

Everyone who thinks that Rory has fallen off since his majors I think are selling him short. Jordan Spieth wasn't #1 player back then. Dustin Johnson wasn't a #1 player back then. Jason Day wasn't a #1 player back then. Not to mention all the new young studs that have been competing the last two years. Rory didn't fall off, the competition just got much better. Rory is just as great as he has ever been.

 

I don't think so.

He has become even more inconsistent. This Open showed this perfectly. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde all the way round.

Hes injured and finished 4th what does than mean for every other golfer? No doubt rory will win 3 or 4 more majors hes too good not to. As to who will win the grand slam first I think quail wont set up well for JS with the need to shape a lot to shots and Rory needs a good clear run coming into Augusta for a change, he has proved he is capable of winning there before but it could be 5 years 10 years or never for either or both. The number of people writing off Rory in this thread is mad, when hes on hes unbeatable and form is temporary he will find it again soon.

[LeoKal]

Lots of interesting comments. Obviously, this is ALL speculation. But a couple of observations struck me here: the proximity to this recent tournament would naturally favor JS and clearly that is true. Both players have bounced back from disaster. Rory after the meltdown at the Masters, and Spieth also from the Masters. Both players have been number one, but I believe Rory's stint at the top is way longer than JS. And the discussion about Spieth's putting is also recalling the recent spectacular display, as well as a few years ago, and ignores some putting woes inside ten feet and other numerics. And someone also observed that Rory has trouble reading greens now which was a comment from one of the experts at The Open. It is clear that this JS victory was a victory of the will, but I think it is way too soon to write off Rory's will to win. And finally, someone observed that this JS victory will really spur Rory's ego and I really think that's true. Either way they are both fun to watch and are fine ambassadors for the game. I want to see them paired up for the PGA on Sunday!

[MK7Golf21]

Id say Speith even though I think Mcilroy has better game. Mcilroy has been kinda selling out and has been trying to get 100 health.

 

"best ball Ive played, ever"

 

Does that mean that Dustin Johnson, Jason Day, Sergio Garcia, Justin Rose and John Rahm all "sold out", as well? I can't believe that those guys would even consider playing Taylormade equipment knowing that all the guys on the WRX hate Taylormade.

 

You know, maybe, just maybe, it really is the best ball he has ever played. I played the premium ball that Titleist has offered for most of my life. I don't know if it was mental, but I had a difficult time looking down and not seeing a Titleist ball. I have played the Taylormade premium balls the last couple of years simply because they are, for me, the best ball I have ever played. I can guarantee you, that if I played for a living, I would not play a ball that was not the best for my game.

 

Who said I hate taylormade? I sort of agree with what Elkington said on twitter about Rory. I even heard Rory say in media at the open that if he won it wouldn't change his life or anything but he still wants to win. Wouldn't change his life, you kidding me? any major win should be life changing no matter how many you win. I bet spieth thought it would be life changing and guess who won. That's what I mean by selling out

[MMB1500]

Lots of interesting comments. Obviously, this is ALL speculation. But a couple of observations struck me here: the proximity to this recent tournament would naturally favor JS and clearly that is true. Both players have bounced back from disaster. Rory after the meltdown at the Masters, and Spieth also from the Masters. Both players have been number one, but I believe Rory's stint at the top is way longer than JS. And the discussion about Spieth's putting is also recalling the recent spectacular display, as well as a few years ago, and ignores some putting woes inside ten feet and other numerics. And someone also observed that Rory has trouble reading greens now which was a comment from one of the experts at The Open. It is clear that this JS victory was a victory of the will, but I think it is way too soon to write off Rory's will to win. And finally, someone observed that this JS victory will really spur Rory's ego and I really think that's true. Either way they are both fun to watch and are fine ambassadors for the game. I want to see them paired up for the PGA on Sunday!

 

I think the ego thing is a really good point. Despite my negativity about McIlroy's game and personal drive (or seemingly lack thereof), I am a big fan and would like him to get back to his best. Spieth and McIlroy out there, both playing their best with all guns blazing would be great for golf.

 

I remember McIlroy saying on the NLU podcast something to the effect that most of his main rivals need to win 2-3 more majors, just to tie with him. Well, guess what? That looks like it's going to happen very soon and Spieth could well capture the grand slam in the process. I'm pretty sure McIlroy didn't see that one coming and I really hope this gives him the kick up the arse he needs.

 

IMO to get back to where he was, he needs an entirely new team around him. New caddie (Bones would be a good shout), new coach, new entourage. He also needs someone who's not afraid to tell it to him like it is. I can't help thinking he's surrounded himself with "Yes men" and no-one's giving it to him straight about how close he is wasting what, at one point, was a hugely promising career. This is speculation of course, but it's how it looks from the outside.

[TheYipS]

Lots of interesting comments. Obviously, this is ALL speculation. But a couple of observations struck me here: the proximity to this recent tournament would naturally favor JS and clearly that is true. Both players have bounced back from disaster. Rory after the meltdown at the Masters, and Spieth also from the Masters. Both players have been number one, but I believe Rory's stint at the top is way longer than JS. And the discussion about Spieth's putting is also recalling the recent spectacular display, as well as a few years ago, and ignores some putting woes inside ten feet and other numerics. And someone also observed that Rory has trouble reading greens now which was a comment from one of the experts at The Open. It is clear that this JS victory was a victory of the will, but I think it is way too soon to write off Rory's will to win. And finally, someone observed that this JS victory will really spur Rory's ego and I really think that's true. Either way they are both fun to watch and are fine ambassadors for the game. I want to see them paired up for the PGA on Sunday!

 

I think the ego thing is a really good point. Despite my negativity about McIlroy's game and personal drive (or seemingly lack thereof), I am a big fan and would like him to get back to his best. Spieth and McIlroy out there, both playing their best with all guns blazing would be great for golf.

 

I remember McIlroy saying on the NLU podcast something to the effect that most of his main rivals need to win 2-3 more majors, just to tie with him. Well, guess what? That looks like it's going to happen very soon and Spieth could well capture the grand slam in the process. I'm pretty sure McIlroy didn't see that one coming and I really hope this gives him the kick up the arse he needs.

 

IMO to get back to where he was, he needs an entirely new team around him. New caddie (Bones would be a good shout), new coach, new entourage. He also needs someone who's not afraid to tell it to him like it is. I can't help thinking he's surrounded himself with "Yes men" and no-one's giving it to him straight about how close he is wasting what, at one point, was a hugely promising career. This is speculation of course, but it's how it looks from the outside.

He wasnt dicussing Speith i think rather the guys on 1 major DJ JD it was something like, they have to win 3 more to get to me, if i win 3 more i get to Arnold Palmer.

I am curious as to why you think his long term caddy swing coach and friends should all be scrapped due to them being yes men? He credited JP with getting his head screwed back on thursday with a stern talking to, his swing has won 4 majors and 25 odd professional tournaments and has worked with Michael Bannon since he was a kid. Why would any of these close friends and collegues be more likely to be yes men then if he hired new people eager to impress? They have gotten him this far he won the fedex last year and another playoff event, thats not so long ago.

My view is he has had issues with the putter which he appears to be figureing out though its too soon to say for sure, he has been injured all year and cant put in the reps thus his swing isint as consistent as before.

[puttingmatt]

Either can do it, but I feel Jordan

will be first.

[Grantmur]

Rory will and I imagine he puts his focus to ensure Jordan doesn't beat him to it.

[Conrad1953]

Rory said to Fred Albers "I don't need to be the best putter to win, I just

need to not be the worst". LOL and true. Rory can win with ball striking

and average putting.

 

I would never count Rory out. We've seen how Rory can run away from

a field when he is on.

 

It's really a toss up who will get a career slam first. Jordan looks good

because the one he needs is next. Rory has to wait until next April.

[baloo]

I'll go with McIlroy. No reasoning behind that really, but it's going to be a random guess either way.

[PowderedToastMan]

Even at his best, Rory had to ball strike the death out of courses to win majors. He's now worse at driving, iron play and putting compared to 2012/2014.

 

Spieth has a legitimate chance at winning the PGA this year. Clearly the betting odds point to Spieth.

[dmeeksDC]

Got to go with the better putter. I think Rory has more raw talent but he gives up shots too easily. Ton of power. Can have some really rough stretches.

 

Spieth not as gifted athletically, but he is a sneaky good athlete and a tenacious golfer who will scrape it around and still get the ball in the hole. Knows how to grind when he is struggling. Great short game. You can tell he simply hates to give up shots. He also seems like he has gotten longer off the tee, though still his major weakness.

 

Rory is not a natural putter. If he was no one could touch him. The holes Rory double bogeys, Spieth pulls out par or bogey. Putting wins majors and Spieth is way above Rory in that category. The Open was not unusual for him on the greens. He expects to make putts and does.

[Sinovius]

I can see Rory not winning another major.

[slimeone]

Id say Speith even though I think Mcilroy has better game. Mcilroy has been kinda selling out and has been trying to get 100 health.

 

"best ball Ive played, ever"

 

Does that mean that Dustin Johnson, Jason Day, Sergio Garcia, Justin Rose and John Rahm all "sold out", as well

Based on Jason Day's ridiculous outfits lately I think we can say unequivocally that he has sold out.

[dlygrisse]

So Rory was -12 at Augusta in 2015, 4th place.

 

That score would win many years. And it was nothing for him; just a casual 66 4th round.

 

I think he's capable of winning the Masters.

He is capable of winning anywhere. But will he? I say no at Augusta. To win there you need a steady putter and pinpoint control with the irons. Lots of guys through history were supposed to win the Masters. Wieskopf, Miller, duval, Norman, Els, but never did. He might some day, but if I had to bet my own money I would bet against.

[JD3]

Theyve both made a mess of one Masters, so I'm not saying one is any more "choke-proof" than the other. I give JS a slight nod because he can win ugly; RM only seems to win when everything is going his way.

[Lancj1]

A few year's ago, McIlroy looked untouchable and like he was at least going to comfortably surpass Nick Faldo's European record of six majors. I now believe that McIlroy will not win another major and have thought so for some time. Sure, he finished T4 today, but he was never even close to winning and his game seems to be regressing rather than improving. He also seems to lack the focus and drive he once had and there have always been questions about his mental strength when the going get tough.

 

 

Regressing since the rib injury a month ago, or regressing since he blitzed the Fedex field last Sept ? Just so that we can get a bit of context. I think Jordans game regressed since he blew the Masters. that was him done. End of. I remember GOLFWRX said so....

[gvogel]

Lots of interesting comments. Obviously, this is ALL speculation. But a couple of observations struck me here: the proximity to this recent tournament would naturally favor JS and clearly that is true. Both players have bounced back from disaster. Rory after the meltdown at the Masters, and Spieth also from the Masters. Both players have been number one, but I believe Rory's stint at the top is way longer than JS. And the discussion about Spieth's putting is also recalling the recent spectacular display, as well as a few years ago, and ignores some putting woes inside ten feet and other numerics. And someone also observed that Rory has trouble reading greens now which was a comment from one of the experts at The Open. It is clear that this JS victory was a victory of the will, but I think it is way too soon to write off Rory's will to win. And finally, someone observed that this JS victory will really spur Rory's ego and I really think that's true. Either way they are both fun to watch and are fine ambassadors for the game. I want to see them paired up for the PGA on Sunday!

 

I think the ego thing is a really good point. Despite my negativity about McIlroy's game and personal drive (or seemingly lack thereof), I am a big fan and would like him to get back to his best. Spieth and McIlroy out there, both playing their best with all guns blazing would be great for golf.

 

I remember McIlroy saying on the NLU podcast something to the effect that most of his main rivals need to win 2-3 more majors, just to tie with him. Well, guess what? That looks like it's going to happen very soon and Spieth could well capture the grand slam in the process. I'm pretty sure McIlroy didn't see that one coming and I really hope this gives him the kick up the arse he needs.

 

IMO to get back to where he was, he needs an entirely new team around him. New caddie (Bones would be a good shout), new coach, new entourage. He also needs someone who's not afraid to tell it to him like it is. I can't help thinking he's surrounded himself with "Yes men" and no-one's giving it to him straight about how close he is wasting what, at one point, was a hugely promising career. This is speculation of course, but it's how it looks from the outside.

He wasnt dicussing Speith i think rather the guys on 1 major DJ JD it was something like, they have to win 3 more to get to me, if i win 3 more i get to Arnold Palmer.

I am curious as to why you think his long term caddy swing coach and friends should all be scrapped due to them being yes men? He credited JP with getting his head screwed back on thursday with a stern talking to, his swing has won 4 majors and 25 odd professional tournaments and has worked with Michael Bannon since he was a kid. Why would any of these close friends and collegues be more likely to be yes men then if he hired new people eager to impress? They have gotten him this far he won the fedex last year and another playoff event, thats not so long ago.

My view is he has had issues with the putter which he appears to be figureing out though its too soon to say for sure, he has been injured all year and cant put in the reps thus his swing isint as consistent as before.

 

I agree that he should not change his swing coach, and JP seems like a fine caddy for him as well. There is no reason to change a swing that has worked as well as Rory's in the past. Jack Nicklaus stuck with the same swing coach until his coach passed away. Matter of fact, changing coaches could be a disaster. Look what happened to Seve when he started looking for swing help from different instructors. Some of this stuff you just have to figure out for yourself.

[bluesmandan]

Drive for show. Putt for dough. Spieth.

[BLLDWG23]

Spieth on both accounts. Has a better mental game than Rors.

[ex0dus]

Drive for show. Putt for dough. Spieth.

 

 

The top 3 in strokes gained off the tee are

 

DJ

Sergio

Rahm

 

http://www.pgatour.com/stats/stat.02567.html

 

I think the driver is pretty important in today's game. Rory would be up there if he had enough rounds to qualify.