PGA Championship: Jordan Spieth’s Rumored Feud With Rory McIlroy Sees New Twist Before Grand Slam Attempt

There are whispers surrounding an ongoing rift between Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth. While McIlroy seems to have missed his shot at a grand slam this year as well after a T22 finish at the Augusta National, Spieth’s trials and tribulations are due this weekend. However, Spieth’s possible addition to the pre-existing five Grand Slam winners has not received a similar level of attention as his Northern Irishman’s did. If Spieth is somehow able to win at Valhalla, he will add his name to the likes of Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Ben Hogan, and Gene Sarazen. Jordan Spieth’s career grand slam not garnering sufficient chatter seems to be more than just an attention problem.

It was previously reported that Jordan Spieth was among the few top voices keeping McIlroy off the PGA Tour policy board. Along with Tiger Woods and Patrick Cantlay, it’s being said that Spieth vetoed the question of letting in a differing opinion. While McIlroy has clarified that he does not hold this step against Tiger Woods and Co., in light of the ongoing events, can the same be said about Spieth?

Interestingly, the answer seems to be yes. A more accepting and optimistic three-time major winner talked about the ongoing attention tussle between him and McIlroy. He said to ABC News, “He’s got more accolades. He’s been a better player over his career. Maybe that creates a little noise. He’s been a bit more vocal about it himself, so maybe that makes a little bit more difference.” Talking about how the pressure to achieve such a grandeur-filled accolade builds over time, the 30-year-old said, “But I don’t feel like it will build up over time, not like people talk about Rory’s building up over time.”

Spieth gracefully acknowledged the differences that give McIlroy a pedestal when it comes to the expectations surrounding a career Grand Slam. A large part of Spieth’s acceptance comes from his performance in the last two years. Yes, you read that right. The star last won a tournament almost two years ago. In fact, his step into the realm of Valhalla Golf Club is surrounded by four missed cuts in his last five starts with a 36-hole cut. Maybe that explains why Spieth is all the more accepting of McIlroy’s overwhelming popularity. The last event, the 2024 Wells Fargo Championship, that both golfers played ended with the Irish golfer winning it. Spieth finished at T29.

Jordan Spieth was one of the top contenders at the CJ Cup but sadly ended up missing the cut. Missed cuts and an average show of skills have not bothered the golfer so much. He comes to Valhalla with the mindset of treating it as a regular tour event. “For me, it’s like the PGA Championship feels decently similar to a number of tournaments we play. I don’t mean that in a bad way. It’s played on some of the biggest and best golf courses. But the identity is not the same as the other three. In my mind, you don’t need to find a different way to win versus guys who don’t have some of the other ones. We play a few tournaments a year that could be PGA Championships if you change the branding and the grandstands,” said Spieth.

However, not everyone shares Spieth’s optimism about not getting the same attention as the golfers who came before him!

Justin Thomas makes bluntness his weapon of choice.

Jordan Spieth’s long-time friend and ally, Justin Thomas, was not as understanding of the existing dichotomy. Thomas was more surprised that a comparatively younger Spieth did not get the same level of awe and attention as McIlroy. After all, the possibility of him completing the final leg of his career grand slam is there; that is too fair and square. Addressing the issue, Thomas said, “It should be the same amount of attention—you could say more because he’s younger than Rory.”

However, despite his urge to equalize the playing field, he was also optimistic about the lack of pressure that his friend faces in this regard. Golf can be a taxing sport, both mentally and physically! No golfer honestly desires the additional pressure, as it can mess up their heads. “But that also could be a good thing. Going in under the radar is never bad,” said JT. This additional pressure of completing a grand slam or ending a decade-old drought could be attributed as one of the reasons why the Irish golfer almost chokes on Sundays of majors! He finished at T7, T2, and T6 at the 2023 PGA Championship, US Open, and The Open, respectively! Oh, and he missed the cut at the 2023 Augusta showdown!

It remains to be seen whether Jordan Spieth will prove his due to everyone underestimating him this weekend or not. Will you be rooting for Speith? Let us know in the comments below!