Spieth's uneven path to victory
Key holes in Jordan Spieth's memorable day at Royal Birkdale:
No. 9: Missed a 2-foot putt for par. That gave him four bogeys on the front nine (three of them on three-putts), equaling his total from the first three days. He went to the 10th tee tied for the lead after beginning the day three shots ahead.
No. 13: Lost his share of the lead but won back his mojo. Somehow salvaged a bogey-5 after his tee shot went far right. Walking around various sponsor trailers for 20 minutes, he tried to find a place to hit what would count as his third shot, given the one-shot penalty for an unplayable lie.
No. 14: Hit a 6-iron to the par-3 hole that came within inches of an ace, leading to a short birdie putt. Just like that, he was tied with Kuchar again.
No. 15: Rolled in a 50-foot eagle putt to go back ahead, playfully barking at caddie Michael Greller to pick the ball out of the cup. "Go get that," he said, pointing to the hole. His lead only grew from there.
Nos. 16 and 17: Made two more birdies — he dropped in a 30-foot putt on 16 — making him 5 under over a four-hole stretch.
