Liguori: Likeability And Talent Dominate Leader Board For Final Round
By Ann Liguori
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It's a dream pairing for television and for golf fans alike.
Jason Day and Jordan Spieth are going head-to-head, each determined to hold up the Wanamaker Trophy at the end of the day. Each has his own major motivation, ridiculous talent on the course, and a high likeability quotient off the course.
Day hopes to win his first Major title. He's been a 54-hole leader in the last three Majors, but has yet to close it out.
Spieth is hoping to complete a historic American slam, trying to become the first player in the history of golf to win all three US-based major championships in the same season.
Day showed off his precise shot-making and resilience with his 6 under 66 in Round 3, a twisty-turvy round, much like the terrain on the Whistling Straits lay-out -- 8 birdies, 1 eagle, 1 double bogey and 2 bogeys. Day showed his intense focus when he was able to birdie the 17th after the double on the 15th and missing a makeable birdie opportunity on the par 5, 16th.
And of course, at the U.S. Open at Chambers Bay, Day revealed his intense determination and courage when he continued to compete, despite suffering from vertigo.
Who could forget watching Day collapse to the ground on the 9th hole, his 18th, on the second day of the U.S. Open this past June? And not only did he play on Saturday, he was tied for the lead at the end of the day!
His heroics there certainly impacted his fan base. More golf fans suddenly paid attention to Jason Day, admiring both his talent and tenacity, rooting for him to win a Major title, if not many.
And talk about likeability quotient, Jordan Spieth could probably run for office right now at the age of 22 and win!
He knows what to say and do at any given moment but it never comes off as rehearsed or contrived. He's a leader and a fine person and he impacts all around him in a positive way.
Yesterday in the third round, Spieth waited until the back nine to start capitalizing on the perfect scoring conditions. He drained six birdies on the back nine, ending with three straight birdies for a score of 7 under 65.
After his rally Saturday, Spieth was asked if his British Open experience reinforced for him that these 'Major' opportunities are precious and that it's important to close these out when in contention.
Spieth replied, "Yeah, I realized we don't get to play another event like this until April of next year. And that makes you think, wow, there really only are a few of these, and they are precious, and you need to make the most of them."
Both begin at 2:45 p.m. in what promises to be an intense battle. If either falters, there is an abundance of talent right behind.
Branden Grace and Justin Rose are only 3 shots behind. Martin Kaymer, who won the PGA Championship here at Whistling Straits in 2010, will start 4 shots back. Utah's own Tony Finau and Aussie Matt Jones are 5 shots back. Dustin Johnson will start 6 shots behind.
It's hard to root against Jason Day. And certainly it would be great if Jordan Spieth can continue his historic season!
If Spieth wins, it would be an American sweep of all four Majors in the same season for the 1st time since 1982.
Enjoy what should be a dramatic afternoon with such likeable and talented players in contention!