Golf often finds itself entrenched in the moment, and, honestly, that’s pretty normal. Because golf is largely an individual sport, when someone captivates our attention, we kind of fully embrace that narrative.
Right now, the idea of a career grand slam is at the forefront of our minds. Back in 2000, when Tiger Woods achieved this milestone, the internet wasn’t quite what it is today. Fast forward to last month, and Rory McIlroy joined that exclusive group.
This excitement certainly enhances Jordan Spieth’s trophy case, especially since he still lacks a Wanamaker trophy. It almost feels like it would be fair for him to snag another major. After all, why shouldn’t golf give Jordan a bit of luck, right?
McIlroy has pursued the career grand slam since 2011, while Jordan has been in the running since 2017, following his Open Championship win. When we look at the numbers, though, there are still eight PGA championships that elude him. It’s almost hard to believe.
Jordan Spieth’s PGA Championship results since starting his grand slam quest
- 2017 …. T28 (Justin Thomas)
- 2018 …. T12 (Brooks Koepka)
- 2019 … T3 (Brooks Koepka)
- 2020 … T71 (Collin Morikawa)
- 2021 … T30 (Phil Mickelson)
- 2022 … T34 (Justin Thomas)
- 2023 … T29 (Brooks Koepka)
- 2024 …. T43 (Xander Schauffele)
Recently, there’s been chatter about how Tiger Woods (during the 2019 Masters) and Phil Mickelson (at the 2021 PGA Championship) managed to snag majors while McIlroy and Spieth have been struggling. Of course, Tiger handled business at Augusta himself, which added to his own legacy.
Isn’t it intriguing, though, that Jordan’s pursuit of the grand slam isn’t discussed in the same breath as Rory’s? Maybe it has to do with the green jackets slipping away, or perhaps there’s an aspect of the PGA or other majors that doesn’t get the same respect. Still, every year, Rory tackles that topic head-on while Jordan seems to float above it somehow. It could also reflect Rory’s top-tier performance, something Jordan hasn’t consistently matched.
To his credit, Jordan seems aware of how the narrative plays out. Speaking at Quazur Hollow recently, he remarked that he’s not exactly fixated on his own grand slam journey, despite having the chance to attain it.
On the career grand slam, Jordan Spieth said, “I’ve been to the PGA for years, and no one has ever asked me about it.” He added that this didn’t upset him.
“Honestly, I wasn’t in great shape in those years everyone asked about,”
His observation about not being asked is revealing. With the opportunity for greatness in reach, if we reflect on the list of past PGA Championship winners, it’s notable. Justin Thomas, for instance, has claimed this title twice, including his recent win at Quazur Hollow. Meanwhile, Brooks Koepka has chalked up five major titles during this same period, which is two more than Jordan. Not to mention, Morikawa and Xander Schauffele have also captured championships during this time.
When Jordan Spieth won the Claret Jug in 2017, it seemed like a career grand slam was on the horizon for him. But perhaps that isn’t as certain now.
At this point, he’s aware that people’s questions about the grand slam come with a different tone until that moment of inevitability unfolds—or doesn’t.
