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Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas: A Look Ahead to The Masters

4/9/2026, 4:00:48 PM

Justin Thomas' Hole-in-One at the Masters Par 3 Contest

During the annual Masters Par 3 contest at Augusta National, Justin Thomas made headlines by achieving the 116th hole-in-one in the event's history. This remarkable shot occurred on the second hole, prompting Thomas to remind his playing partners, Jordan Spieth and Max Homa, that they owed him $1,000 each as part of their informal betting game. While the contest does not feature a winner's purse, it is common for players to engage in friendly wagers. Thomas's ace not only earned him a crystal vase but also highlighted the competitive spirit among the trio, especially given that Spieth has previously witnessed Thomas's aces during the event.

Jordan Spieth's Recent Performance and Challenges

As the Masters approaches, Jordan Spieth's performance has garnered attention. Despite a solid history at Augusta National, including a victory in 2015 and multiple top finishes, Spieth's recent outings have raised concerns. He has not finished in the top 10 in a major since the 2023 Masters and is currently facing challenges with his putting. Smylie Kaufman pointed out that Spieth's poor putting performance at the Valero Texas Open, where he lost eight strokes, could hinder his chances at Augusta. However, Kaufman noted that Spieth's iron play has been strong, suggesting that if he can improve his putting on the fast, sloped greens of Augusta, he might contend effectively.

Support from Peers: Kevin Kisner's Optimism

Kevin Kisner expressed optimism about Spieth's potential at the Masters, emphasizing that Spieth's comfort on Augusta's greens could play a crucial role in his performance. Kisner highlighted that Spieth has been consistently performing well on par threes, a critical aspect of the course. He stated, “If that little flatstick gets hot, and he’s cocky enough, I just think he could be around,” indicating that Spieth's confidence and skill could lead to a strong showing if his putting improves.

Official Statements and Insights

Jordan Spieth praised Rory McIlroy's hosting at the Champions Dinner, describing the food as “incredible” and highlighting the camaraderie among players. Spieth's comments reflect the unique atmosphere of the Masters, where past champions gather to celebrate their achievements. Masters chairman Fred Ridley also commended McIlroy's menu, underscoring the significance of the event.

Conflicting Reports & Gaps

While Spieth's recent performances have shown promise, discrepancies exist regarding his putting statistics. Data Golf indicates that he has gained strokes with the putter in four of his last six starts, contrasting with his poor showing at the Valero Texas Open. This inconsistency raises questions about his readiness for the Masters.

What's Next: Anticipation for The Masters

As the Masters approaches, the golfing community eagerly anticipates how Spieth will perform, particularly in light of his recent struggles and the support from peers like Kisner. The event promises to be a significant moment for Spieth, who aims to reclaim his form at a tournament where he has historically excelled.