For the first time in my life, I don’t know what to say. Sure, I picked 21-year-old Jordan Spieth to win The Masters earlier in the week, but today was a little ridiculous. Did we not learn anything from Tiger Woods’ blowout victory in 1997? Eighteen-under par is fine for the Phoenix Open, but not for The Masters. This is a major championship! It’s supposed to be difficult. Guys aren’t supposed to be able to fire darts at the pins at Augusta. In just his 8th competitive round at Augusta National and just his 9th career major start, Spieth beat Phil Mickelson and Justin Rose by four shots. Spieth displayed some young nerves, and there was never an indication of anxiety.
Now, I’m not saying I’m not happy for Spieth, but I am disappointed with The Masters Tournament Committee. Turn on the SubAir system, suck the moisture out of the greens beginning on Friday night, and make the weekend a little more interesting. That said, here are most of the records Spieth shattered with his first career major win on Sunday:
* Most birdies in a single Masters Tournament (28)
* Most birdies during Masters week (28) since Phil Mickelson in 2001 (25)
* Tied lowest 72-hole tournament score (-18, Tiger Woods, 1997)
* Lowest 54-hole tournament score (-16, 200)
* Lowest 36 hole tournament score (-14, 130); Tied lowest-ever score in a major
* First wire-to-wire Masters winner in 39 years (Raymond Floyd, 1976)
* 2nd American in last 80 years to win a major by the age of 21 (Woods: 21 yrs., 4 mos.)
* 1st player in 31 years to win after finishing 2nd previous year (Ben Crenshaw, 1984)
* Only player in Masters history to reach 19-under par
* 1st player with 24 birdies during Masters week since 2005 (Woods)
* Youngest 18-hole leader (21 yrs., 8 mos.) and 2nd lowest opening round in Masters history (8-under 64)