Should Jordan Spieth Play The John Deere Or Go To St. Andrews?

[mvmac]

I voted for going to St. Andrews. I think the extra prep time on a course that rewards patience and intricate course knowledge is the right call, especially when he's trying to win 3 majors in a row. Or at least play in the Scottish Open, get over the jet lag and get used to the climate.

http://www.geoffshackelford.com/homepage/2015/6/28/poll-should-spieth-play-the-deere-or-get-to-st-andrews-asap.html

Jordan Spieth, taking a much-needed Bahamas vacation this week, plans to commit to the Moline, Illinois event and then take the tournament charter to St. Andrews for the Grand Slam's next leg.

This means the reigning Masters and U.S. Open Champion will arrive to the most complicated course on the planet having played it once, with only the opportunity to play two, maybe three practice rounds. Not to mention the whirlwind nonsense that comes with being an in-demand superstar and nice guy.

For someone who has succeeded at a shockingly young age at times with less than his A-game, Spieth has thrived on impeccable decision-making and support from his support team. With the right preparation and the luck of the draw, he has an incredibly strong chance of winning at St. Andrews. Spieth already has the right attitude about the place, which, as we know from history, is half the battle. The other half is knowing how to play the Old Course. And rolling in Monday afternoon with your excellent caddie and hoping to do the necessary preparation in a very short window is a tall ask for anyone, even Spieth.

[Gunther]

I agree he should skip the Deere but I commend his loyalty.

[newtogolf]

I voted he should skip John Deere but I knew he wouldn't since that is the tournament that started off his pro career.  I'm sure Jordan has evaluated the trade offs and how important winning The Open would be for his career but I believe loyalty and doing the right thing is even more important to him.

[Scotsclaff]

If he said he'd play the John Deere then that's what he should do.

[jamo]

I think I would probably skip the Deere, but I can see why he'd want to play it. I don't think what he "should" do means much of anything.

[GaijinGolfer]

Id still play the Deere if I were him.  It seems like its something thats important to him and that he committed to it.

[ChrisP]

I don't think jet lag will be an issue. He won the John Deere two years ago, went over to Muirfield and was in contention as a 20-year old rookie into round 3. He also said he went over to the Walker Cup on a charter a couple days before and played some of the best golf of his life. So that should eliminate any "jet lag" concerns.

That being said, playing the Scottish Open or taking the week off to prep at St. Andrew's would help his Grand Slam chances a lot more than playing the John Deere. I've said already I think he will somewhat contend at St. Andrew's, but he won't win it. I think this is more of a McIlroy course and I expect Rory to destroy the Old Course if conditions warrant it. I think of the four courses on the rotunda, this one will be the hardest for Jordan to win.

I wouldn't be surprised in the least if he won it...but it will be the first major of the year I won't be betting him.

[J Cream]

I'd love to see him win the grand slam.  But I tend to agree that Rory is more suited to win at St. Andrews.  We shall see.

I think he has a better chance if he skips the John Deere and heads over early, but whatever he feels mentally better about.  It's worked so far.

[krupa]

If I were in his place, I would play the John Deere.

[mvmac]

Tiger's take

http://www.geoffshackelford.com/homepage/2015/7/1/tiger-feels-travel.html

Tiger Woods was asked about Jordan Spieth's decision to play the John Deere Classicinstead of the Scottish Open or practice rounds at the Old Course (ala his arrive-early U.S. Open preparation).

The golf cognoscenti and the fine readers of this site are laudingyoung Spieth's loyalty while I think it's the first really poor choice made in the handling of Spieth's career. Most of the greats (and eventual Open Champions) have gone early for various reasons. And most of the time that was without a Grand Slam on the line. The chances of winning at the Old Course greatly improve for Spieth if he and his excellent caddie spend time acclimating to the nuances, wind directions and complex putting surfaces, especially since he's shown an incredible ability to process information better than people twice his age.

Spieth should be most concerned though that his competitors are encouraging the move.Tiger Woods today, asked at the Greenbrier Classic endorsed the move (even though Tiger will arrive the weekend before, and he has two Open wins at the Old Course).

Will Gray reports:

“I think it’s great for him to play, get the playing feels, keep the playing feels going,” Woods said Wednesday at The Greenbrier Classic. “Whether you’re playing here or overseas, doesn’t really matter, (as) long as you have your feels. Feels travel.”

Feels travel!

Your honor, I have nothing further at this time. Oh wait, the witness is still talking...

“I think he’s played enough links-type golf courses. He did all right at Chambers (Bay),” Woods said. “He’s played the British Opens before. St. Andrews will be a little bit different, there will be a lot to learn in a short time. But he’s young, and he can spend the energy playing 18 holes every day and be fine.”

[SavvySwede]

I'd skip the Deere and get more comfortable at the St. Andrews. Leave no rock unturned.

[shalabe]

I voted to play John Deere - there might be some benefit to keeping the schedule as planned.

[ChrisP]

Tiger's take

http://www.geoffshackelford.com/homepage/2015/7/1/tiger-feels-travel.html

Agree with what Tiger said. I think another plus for Spieth is he's done this before where he's played the week before a trip overseas and had success. He won at the John Deere to years ago then went to Muirfield and was in contention the first couple days before sliding off on the weekend. Plus, he had the solid Walker Cup on a short-week's travel. So he's just doing with what's worked before. But he does have to do some homework, which I hope he's doing.

[Zeph]

After two consecutive majors wins, I'd assume he does his homework. Only thing I'd personally think about would be sleep pattern, but he gets some days to adjust.

[kpaulhus]

I think Jordan is like any other golfer, except he is really good, and young. I would play the JD and take my 3 practice rounds at the home of golf. Think about it...would you not play your home course the week before the club championship? I doubt it. Yeah its a different course, but he is young and golf is golf in most places. I like Jordan to be top 5 at The Open. Dont pressure him to win the grand slam. Tiger has a career grand slam and he has made quite a bit of money. It would be story book if he won, but if not, he isnt a lesser golfer for doing so.

[Cody Book]

I'm a big fan of Spieth for his commitment to stay loyal to his word. Also the way he talks about other players in tour, he is top notch and I'm excited for golf to have him. If he already committed to the John Deere he will be there. What I think he should do is just that, keep your word because once you loss that you can't get it back.