Jordan Spieth shot a four-under 68 in the second round of the Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass, featuring seven birdies but marred by a closing double bogey. The three-time major winner expressed frustration over finishing both rounds with doubles, despite feeling his game is improving. Spieth sits seven shots off the lead after two rounds.
Jordan Spieth's second round at the Players Championship showcased his characteristic mix of brilliance and inconsistency. He carded seven birdies, including a remarkable recovery on the ninth hole of his round— the 18th overall—where his tee shot struck a tree but bounced back into the fairway, allowing him to make a 3. On the par-5 second, despite toeing his drive short of the fairway, he reached the green in three and sank a 49-foot putt for birdie.
Spieth navigated the par-4 sixth with what he called 'weird golf,' saving par from off the front of the green. He missed a four-footer for birdie on the third. However, his momentum halted on the par-5 ninth, the day's final hole. Arriving at six under for the round and four back of the lead, Spieth drove into the trees, punched out, and then pulled his third shot from the fairway left, prompting him to play a provisional. He located his ball behind a tree and settled for double bogey.
'It was just a bummer, both days finish with doubles. I just played better than that,' Spieth said afterward. He noted his ongoing challenges at Pete Dye's Stadium Course, where in his last 10 appearances he has missed six cuts and posted only one top-20 finish. 'This place has gotten the best of me in the past, and I let it get the best of me a couple times this week already,' he added. Spieth is adopting a more patient approach this year, which has yielded mixed results, including five consecutive birdies during Friday's play.
Statistically, Spieth ranks 10th in Strokes Gained: Approach and Around the Green after two rounds, though he has lost strokes off the tee and on the greens. He drove the ball better on Friday and feels close to regaining his top form, post-wrist surgery after the 2024 season. 'I’m doing everything well,' he said. 'The stats aren’t necessarily showing exactly how solid things are.' When asked if he could move past the closing double, Spieth replied, 'Never. Have you ever played golf?' Despite the frustration, his score secured a weekend spot, seven off the lead.
