Jordan Spieth’s Masters prep dealt major blow after taking different approach to rivals

Jordan Spieth’s preparations for the upcoming Masters tournament have hit a major snag as the American golfer struggles to find his form on the course. His recent performance at the Valspar Championship marked his second missed cut in as many weeks, leaving him disappointed with his game ahead of the prestigious event at Augusta National.

Entering the Valspar Championship as one of the favorites, Spieth failed to deliver his best game at the Copperhead Course in Florida. Despite a promising start with a two-under-par 69 in the opening round, his performance dipped in the second round, resulting in a three-over 74 and ultimately missing the cut by one shot.

This setback adds to Spieth’s recent string of disappointments, having also missed the cut at the Players Championship the week prior. Reflecting on his struggles, Spieth attributed them to various factors, including illness and equipment mishaps, which have characterized what he described as a “weird” past year.

“I’ve had some weird circumstances that have kind of thrown some results out the window,” Spieth remarked, alluding to battling the flu and dealing with a cracked driver. These unforeseen challenges have left him feeling uncertain about his current form and performance trajectory.

Unlike some of his peers who opted to skip recent tournaments to focus on Augusta, Spieth chose to compete but has found himself struggling to regain his winning form. With the Masters looming just around the corner, Spieth faces a race against time to rediscover his game and confidence on the course.

Looking ahead, Spieth has decided to forgo the two-week swing in his home state of Texas in favor of dedicated preparation for the Masters. The PGA Tour will continue with events like the Houston Open and the Valero Texas Open, providing Spieth with opportunities to fine-tune his game before the highly anticipated major tournament.

Spieth has had success in the past at the Valero Texas Open, clinching victory in 2021 before securing a commendable tie for third at Augusta National the following week. Despite his recent struggles, Spieth remains hopeful and determined to make a strong showing at the Masters as he prepares away from the competitive spotlight in the lead-up to the prestigious event.