GWD_MAY_16

WHERE THEY’RE HOT
& WHERE THEY’RE NOT
Nick Faldo analyses the respective strengths
and weaknesses of Spieth, McIlroy and Day.
Per Round last year. These are not the
numbers of someone looking to
dominate major championships.
“Rory will win the Masters when
(a) he gets the putter hot for four days,
or (b) he becomes a more consistent
putter,” says Feinstein. “That could
happen at any time.”
This, however, assumes there is no
lingering scar tissue from the
meltdown in 2011 when he went from
the top of the leaderboard to a tie for
15th in the space of nine disastrous,
ugly, nightmare holes. Yes, McIlroy
has won four majors since that
miserable day, including the very next
major – the 2011 US Open at
Congressional – but he’s still not won
at Augusta. One wonders what will go
through his head should he stand on
the 10th tee with a one-shot lead and
Jordan Spieth and Jason Day
breathing down his neck.
Chances are McIlroy’s numerous
successes elsewhere would guide him
home. It could very well happen this
year, in fact. But Feinstein fancies
McIlroy’s chances at Royal Troon
instead. “Especially if the wind blows
the way it normally does - front nine
downwind, back nine into the wind,”
he says. “I know he has said that he’s
not a fan of typical links conditions,
but his length should give him a
considerable advantage on the
incoming holes. And the slower greens
there could really help him.”
WHERE HE’S HOT
Rory McIlroy
Rory is one of the best drivers we’ve ever
seen. Up there alongside Greg Norman, in
my opinion. And he probably doesn’t get
the full benefit of that due to the modern
equipment making driving easy for
everybody. He’s a great long-iron player, too.
WHERE HE’S NOT
People say Rory’s weakness is his putting,
but I disagree. He’s made some changes to
his stroke and looked a lot better this year. If
I had to pinpoint a weakness it would be his
temperament. He needs to learn how to
grind out results when not playing his best.
WHERE HE’S HOT
Jordan Spieth
Jordan’s obvious strength is his mental
resilience. He has this amazing ability to
score – on any type of course. Plus, when I
watch him play, I’m always amazed by how
many of his iron shots finish pin-high. That’s
a sign of great ball-striking.
WHERE HE’S NOT
It’s no great secret that Jordan’s swing is not
technically perfect. He has a tendency to get
his driving and iron play out of whack a little.
That’s why he’ll occasionally have poor
tournaments. But he seems to get it right
when it matters – another sign of greatness.
MASTERS RECORD
After his 2011 meltdown, Rory has
improved over the last four years.
40 20 10 04
T15
T40
T25
T8
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
4
WHERE HE’S HOT
Jason Day
I’m on record as saying Day is the modern
Ben Hogan – he does everything well. First,
he’s got an absolutely pure golf swing. He’s a
solid driver, great iron player, has a very
good short game and can putt, too. He’s
probably the best all-round player of the trio.
WHERE HE’S NOT
Now that he’s learned to win on the big
stage, I believe the only weakness is his
health. You could argue the vertigo episode
cost him a shot at the US Open last year. If he
can stay healthy, there’s no reason he won’t
dominate the game in the coming years.
May 2016 Golf World 35