What Jordan Spieth said about his ‘rivalry’ with Rory McIlroy when they held all four majors at the same time

Add as preferred source on Google

Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy were expected to become rivals when they were both at the peak of their powers 10 years ago.

McIlroy ended the 2014 season on an incredible high with victories at the Open Championship and the PGA Championship.

Spieth then won the first two majors (The Masters and the US Open) in 2015, so the pair temporarily held all four between them.

After Spieth’s US Open win at Chambers Bay, he was questioned about a potential “rivalry” with McIlroy.

• READ MORE: Rory McIlroy’s coach tells amateur golfers the correct way to set up when putting

Jordan Spieth dismissed ‘rivalry’ with Rory McIlroy 10 years ago

Jordan Spieth played down talk of a “rivalry” with Rory McIlroy because there was still a significant gap between them in age and accomplishments.

Spieth is four years younger than the Northern Irishman and, at the time, had two fewer major victories and seven fewer PGA Tour wins.

“It’s kind of cool,” he said. “I think to have two players hold the four majors, and Rickie having the fifth (The Players Championship). It’s awesome that the game is in young hands.

“I don’t think much of a rivalry. I’ve said that from the beginning. I don’t think much of a rivalry. Rory has four majors and dozens of wins, and I’m just starting out.

“Again, I’m certainly quite a bit younger than he is. I’m just happy to have this and to be chasing that No. 1 spot, which he holds. So I’m certainly focused on that.”

It would have been great for the game of golf if the two had become rivals, but unfortunately, both made way for Brooks Koepka and Dustin Johnson.

Rory McIlroy vs Jordan Spieth career achievements

Rory McIlroy had achieved plenty more than Jordan Spieth back in 2015, and the gap has only widened 10 years later.

McIlroy has won 16 more PGA Tour events, including two more majors, and crucially, completed the career Grand Slam earlier this season.

The 36-year-old has also spent almost 100 more weeks at world number one, a testament to his longevity as a world-class golfer.

Spieth will probably never catch McIlroy, but he could join him as the seventh Grand Slam champion if he wins the PGA Championship one day.