Jordan Spieth Dominates Field At 2014 Australian Open

Jordan Spieth Australian Open — Getty Images

While those of us here in the States have finished our Thanksgiving feasts and begin preparing for the long winter ahead, there’s still plenty of sun to be seen in the land down under. While wind-swept conditions and a few of golf’s best players stood in his way, Jordan Spieth felt right at home, cruising to victory at the Emirates Australian Open in Sydney.

Spieth kept steady through the first three rounds at The Australian Golf Club, entering the final round in a three-way tie for the lead. With world No. 3 Adam Scott sitting just one shot back of the low trio, there was still plenty of work to do. It didn’t take him long, however, to make a move to separate from the pack.

Spieth opened Sunday’s finale with four birdies in his first seven holes. By the time he made the turn, he was clear of the rest of the field. He didn’t let off the gas, however, adding four more birdies to post a flawless 8-under-par round of 63 to win by a whopping six strokes.

It was a masterful performance by the 21-year-old Texan, who earned his second professional win to go along with 2013’s John Deere Classic title. He certainly seemed to feel right at home, saying that he felt the hard, fast greens played right into his hands.

Spieth has always had the talent to be one of the biggest stars in the game, and now he’s become the first American to win the prestigious Aussie tournament since Brad Faxon in 1993. Expectations were through the roof this year, and while he certainly had a marvelous year, there are those who think that without a win, he didn’t quite live up to his potential. This may not be a PGA Tour event, but ending the year on a high note can only help heading into the new season.

Don’t believe it? Just ask Rory McIlroy, who stopped Scott from completing the Australian sweep last year, and despite a disappointing weekend, still sits atop the golf world following a ridiculous summer run.

Up next for Spieth is the Tiger Woods Hero World Challenge, and then the holiday break before heading to Hawaii in January. Could this be the break that Spieth needed to rejuvenate his confidence and take that next step in his already impressive career?

My money says yes, and I bet by April we’ll have that answer.

Brandon Raper is the lead golf writer for Rant Sports. “Like” him on Facebook, follow him on Twitter @Brandon__Raper, and join him on Google+.