Spieth shot a blemish-free five-under-par round of 65 as Friday’s gusty winds and driving rain at Royal Birkdale made way for what could almost be considered summer weather on the Lancashire coast.
The course conditions could change again on Sunday, with the forecast envisaging stronger winds and possible rain. But on the evidence so far, Spieth could probably break par in a snowstorm.
The Texan’s confidence stays the right side of arrogance but there was certainly no hint of fear about the 23-year-old as he contemplated his task, taking a lead into the final round.
“It’s a little bit tougher to sleep but I’ve been fine recently,” he said after Saturday’s round. “I expect to be. If not, I can sleep during the day tomorrow; we don’t tee off until pretty late.
“But I wouldn’t rather be in any other position than where we’re at. And we have an opportunity to have a really special day on the golf course tomorrow. I’m excited about it.”
Spieth won the U.S. Masters and the U.S. Open in 2015. But while he has those positive experiences to draw upon, he also knows that things don’t always go to plan on a Sunday.
Last year at Augusta, he led the U.S. Masters by five strokes at the turn, but a dramatic meltdown – including a quadruple bogey – cost him dearly and he was beaten by Englishman Danny Willett.
It is typical, though, of the level-headed and thoughtful Spieth that he considers that disastrous Sunday a memory that doesn’t need to be blocked out.
He said: “I understand that leads can be squandered quickly and I also understand how you can keep on rolling on one.”
