Jordan Spieth Continues Masters Mastery, Keeps Lead Into Final Round

Jordan Spieth continues to amaze the golf world.

The New York Times is reporting that Spieth extended his lead to four shots by firing a third-round two-under-par 70. Speith stands now at 16 under for the tournament. Spieth continues to shine on one of golf’s toughest stages and in front of some of the games’ current greats in a very entertaining third round.

Spieth went into the 16th hole and birdied, putting him 18-under. He bogeyed the 17th but regained one stroke by getting the birdie on the 18th hole. Justin Rose, the 2013 Masters winner, sits four shots behind Spieth after carding a third-round 67. Phil Mickelson, three-time Masters winner and five-time major winner, made a major push to third place, at 11-under-par.

Spieth continues to break Masters records with his play. His 16-under-par breaks the record of 15-under-par set by Raymond Floyd in 1976 and Tiger Woods in 1997. Woods, 39, has returned to the Masters and is playing exceptionally well. He is tied for fifth with Rory McIlroy at 6-under going into the final round.

Spieth is taking the star-studded final round in stride, uncommon for a 21-year-old playing in only his second Masters.

“There’s going to be a lot of roars,” Spieth said. “Phil is going to have a lot of roars in front. Tiger and Rory, you’re going to hear something there.”

According to USA Today, Spieth said putting will be the difference in the tournament.

“That’s something in the weekend under pressure that’s kind of hurt me a little bit, and recently I’ve been making a lot of putts,” said Spieth. “The downside of it was that I had to make a lot of putts today with five dropped shots, and I’m not going to be able to have that tomorrow. I can’t rely on the putter that much to save me with two major champions right behind.”

Spieth is quickly gaining knowledge about putting. Spieth, the number four player in the world, hit seven birdies yesterday and 22 for the tournament. However, When he went into the par-4 17th, Spieth hit a drive into a wooded area, hit the green too short, and tanked the chip shot. As a result, Spieth carded a double bogey.

“Driver should never have come out of my bag at that point,” Spieth said. “I was very frustrated with that decision, given I don’t want decision making to ever cost me in an event like this.”

Spieth will attempt to win his first Masters tournament later today. He will have plenty of former champions right on his tail.

[Image courtesy of David J. Phillips/AP]