AUGUSTA, Ga. — Jordan Spieth, a one-time Masters champion, arguably should have claimed a second green jacket by now.
Yet, this week, he seems somewhat overlooked. His name isn’t making it to the top of many lists for favorites.
He even joked about how it wasn’t until Wednesday that anyone asked him for an interview.
Spieth attended the Champions Dinner on Tuesday night, referring to it as “one of the best dinners we’ve had,” and complimented Rory McIlroy for his “amazing” menu selections.
“Winning the Masters was undoubtedly on his mind for quite some time,” Spieth remarked. “Last year made it clear how much it meant to him.” It’s a unique experience for defending champions, to embrace those perks again.
Spieth is just one win away from completing a career slam at the PGA Championship.
He expressed that his game feels “as good as it’s felt in a long time” leading into this week.
Brandon Holtz, a 39-year-old real estate agent who is competing after winning the U.S. Mid-Amateur, played a practice round with Spieth on Wednesday, having previously played with Tommy Fleetwood on Monday.
“Two icons in one spot,” Holtz said, recalling how he found joy in watching the two pros play. “Seeing them up close and having that personal connection is… special.”
Holtz mentioned he’s been battling with his driver this week since he donated the one he used to win the Mid-Amateur to the USGA for a museum display.
He anticipated its return late Wednesday, just in time for the tournament’s opening.
“Thanks to the USGA and a friend who helped out, we’re getting my old driver back,” he shared.
Time has flown by for him at Augusta.
“I arrived on Saturday, and it’s like I just got here,” Holtz remarked. “Every day feels fantastic. When we come as patrons, we rush around—first to the entrance, then the pro shop, and finally to the course.”
“This time, it’s nice to just be here, savoring each moment and taking things at our own pace.”
When asked what he’d be doing if he weren’t preparing for the Masters, Holtz replied, “[watching] the Par 3 Contest.” He added that returning to work after this experience would be a challenge.
Adam Scott, the 2013 Masters winner, also spoke at the Champions Dinner, praising McIlroy, the reigning champion.
“I didn’t have anything prepared,” Scott noted. “I recalled the first time I played with Rory and reflected on his journey. It felt as though all the champions were rooting for him last year.”
“Rory expressed how much winning meant to him, and we felt proud to welcome him into the Masters Club,” Scott concluded.
