American Jordan Spieth cruised to a six-shot win at the Australian Open yesterday, with a superb course record 63.
The 21-year-old USPGA Rookie of the Year started the final round sharing the lead on five-under with Brett Rumford and Greg Chalmers.
Eight birdies later, Spieth left the class field in his wake at 13-under, with Rod Pampling (7-under), Rumford (6-under) and Chalmers (5-under), clinching the three automatic starts in next year’s British Open, at the home of golf.
Spieth had already qualified.
Lucas Herbert won the amateur section at 4-over, a shot to the good of Ryan Ruffles, who will rue the 16th hole where he three-putted from two feet.
But the day belonged exclusively to the youngster from Dallas.
“I didn’t think this round was on (in the variable wind), but my putts kept going in,” he said.
“It’s the best round I’ve ever played, no doubt, and it’s the best win I’ve ever had.”
“I’ll be back.”
Today Spieth will be elevated from 14 in the world to 11 as he continues his climb up the rankings.
He kept the world number one, Rory McIlroy, and number three, Adam Scott, well under control.
McIlroy had a nightmare weekend shooting 77 and 72 that included a triple, a double, six bogeys, and just five birdies over the 36 holes.
Scott was far more productive with rounds of 71 and 69, but he just couldn’t get any momentum, and his putter was only lukewarm.
Pampling and Rumford didn’t start the final day well, but came home strongly.
Pampling started with three bogeys in the first five holes, adding another bogey and a birdie to go out in two-over 37. But he came home with a flawless five birdies and a 68 to finish second.
Rumford also started with a bogey, but added three birdies and a bogey to turn in one-under 34, coming home in even par for a 70 and third.
Chalmers hung on doggedly for his 71, which included three birdies and three bogeys, with excellent chipping and putting keeping his hopes alive for the British Open qualification that he earned the hard way.
Three decades covered the final group – Spieth (22), Rumford (37) and Chalmers (41) – the beauty of golf that no other sport can match.
And the sons of two famous fathers from other sports featured.
Ryan Ruffles is the 16-year-old son of former Australian tennis pro Ray Ruffles, and Ryan Fox (25) is the son of All Black legend Grant Fox.
But full marks to Channel Seven, their television coverage was first class, almost as good as the new champion.
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