Jordan Spieth wary of heralding new era of legends after good year for twenty-something rising stars
Two-time major winner says it's been a fine year for young guns, but they must dominate for a decade to be considered among the greats
Jordan Spieth wore a black tunic with red trim around the collar to take part in a Chinese drum ceremony just as the Shanghai skyline began to glow with lights behind him and three other top players.
This was the traditional photo opportunity to kick off the HSBC Champions. One observer noted that Spieth had not dressed like that since graduation, which for him was only four years ago - from high school.
The landscape in golf is changing quicker than the rapid beat of those drums.
Jason and I, we've played solid golf the last few years. To create an era, you almost need a decade of years like this
One year ago, Spieth was not even in the top 10 in the world and had only one win as a pro. Since then, the 22-year-old Texan has won seven times, including the Masters and the US Open, along with a Tour Championship that capped a record US$22 million year. He is looked upon as the future of American golf.
At least for now.
Also on the stage with Spieth was 26-year-old Rickie Fowler, who is coming off a big year of his own. Fowler won three times, the biggest at The Players Championship where he delivered perhaps the greatest finish of the season when he made three birdies on the island-green 17th to win a tension-filled play-off.
Jason Day couldn't make it to China. The 27-year-old Australian is home awaiting the birth of his second child. And the drum beat had to go on without 26-year-old Rory McIlroy, who was coping with a stomach ailment.