Friday 17 April 2015 23:33, UK
Masters winner Jordan Spieth admitted he struggled on his return to action at the opening day of the RBC Heritage.
The 21-year-old has enjoyed a whirlwind few days since a dominant four-shot victory from Justin Rose and Phil Mickelson at Augusta, but struggled to a three over opening round 75 at Harbour Town.
Spieth didn’t play a practice round due to his busy post-Masters schedule and it showed, as he struggled in difficult conditions to face eight strokes adrift of early pacesetters Graeme McDowell and Matt Every.
“I just didn’t drive the ball well, didn’t particularly strike my irons well and my chipping and putting wasn’t there Spieth said. “It was just an off-day.
“Even if we started off a little rusty, I really wanted to shoot four under-par round this week and I’m a little disappointed there, but I’ve just got to come back and make up for it.”
The world No 2 three-putted the sixth to drop his first shot of the day and looked lethargic as he missed birdie opportunities on the ninth and 10th greens.
He dropped another shot on the 11th and on the par-three 14th he sent his tee shot straight into the water, setting up a double bogey that put him four over.
Spieth pulled one back with a birdie on the par-five 15th, but nevertheless finished well off the pace even as the conditions kept the scoring under control.
The Texan has been under the media spotlight since claiming his maiden Green Jacket on Sunday and admits he has no idea how many interviews he has given since.
"I've lost track," Spieth told Sky Sports 4. "Just getting to experience all these incredible things, whether it's a business interview, a sports interview, a lot took place and it's almost sad to leave.
"There were so many great experiences you'd like to have each of those each day, to have them all in one is almost a shame, but it's good sharing my story, sharing our story, getting our brand out there."
Victory at Augusta last closed the gap between Spieth and Rory McIlroy at the top of the world rankings, but the American knows he still has some work to do to challenge for the world No 1 spot.
“He’s (McIlroy) the most accomplished golfer that’s in our age group and I know how hard it was pull off one (major), left alone for him to have four by the age of 26.
“Rory McIlroy’s not going to let up anytime soon and so it’s going to take better golf than I’ve even been playing in order to overtake him. I’m up for the challenge but I’d like a rest first!"
