Jordan Spieth proves he’s the man to beat in Abu Dhabi

This content was originally posted in 7DAYS UAE website at: Jordan Spieth proves he’s the man to beat in Abu Dhabi He would never say it himself but Jordan Spieth’s crushing victory in Hawaii delivered a major statement to his rivals on both sides of the Atlantic. The American has always stressed that coming off a year in which he won the Masters, US Open and the FedEx Cup would be hard to match. But he didn’t want 2016 to merely be an encore, as that would signal the end of the show. Instead the humble and grounded world No. 1 gave interview after interview in which he played down expectations. However, his performance at the Hyundai Tournament of Champions delivered a message loud and clear. One that his caddie could not keep to himself. “Way to make a statement,” Michael Greller told Spieth after his crushing eight-shot victory. The 22-year-old produced a six-under round of 67 to become only the second player in PGA Tour history to finish a 72-hole tournament at 30-under par or lower. Even after such a convincing victory Spieth refused to get carried away, saying: “I still think it’s going to be very difficult to have a year like last year.” There were also the inevitable comparisons to Tiger Woods, which Spieth will surely have to deal with throughout his career if he continues to play such phenomenal golf. “Nowhere near,” was Spieth’s response on how his record stacks up with Woods. “I don’t think there’s any reason to compare. It’s awfully early. “We’re excited about where we’re at to start our career. What Tiger has done, I can’t imagine ever being done. But it’s nice to be in that company.” Now Spieth will head to the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship where he will have a clear target on his back. The likes of Rory McIlroy, Henrik Stenson and Rickie Fowler will want to make a statement of their own by beating him to the title. But if there is anyone who can deal with the pressure and weight of expectation – it is Spieth. Read the original story at: Jordan Spieth proves he’s the man to beat in Abu Dhabi