Jordan Spieth Misses Cut at CJ Cup Byron Nelson, Eyes Career Grand Slam at PGA Championship
Jordan Spieth Misses Cut at CJ Cup Byron Nelson, Eyes Career Grand Slam at PGA Championship
Jordan Spieth’s much-anticipated return to his hometown tournament, the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, ended in disappointment as the three-time major champion missed the cut by two strokes. Despite opening with a 3-under 68, Spieth followed it up with a 1-under 70, finishing at 4-under-par and falling short of the weekend.
A standout moment during his second round came on the 16th hole when a wayward tee shot bounced off a spectator’s arm and ricocheted back into the fairway. Spieth quickly approached the fan, who was left with a visible welt, and signed a ball as an apology—a display of his well-known sportsmanship.
This marks only the second time in 12 appearances that Spieth has failed to make the cut at this event. His history with the tournament runs deep, as he first played it as a 16-year-old amateur in 2010, finishing tied for 16th and launching what would become a decorated professional career.
Although the early exit was a setback, Spieth’s sights are firmly set on a much bigger prize: the PGA Championship. The Dallas native is one win away from joining golf’s most elite club—those who have completed the career Grand Slam. Having already captured the Masters and U.S. Open in 2015 and The Open Championship in 2017, Spieth needs only the PGA Championship to complete the set.
“I’ve had a number of chances since having the other three and come close a couple of times, but never quite close enough at the end to really have a chance,” Spieth said in a recent interview. “So that would be the goal this week.”
Only five golfers in history—Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods—have achieved the career Grand Slam. Spieth will aim to become the sixth as he tees it up at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky’s.
While he may have stumbled in Dallas, the stage is now set for Spieth to chase history on one of golf’s bi
ggest stages.
