Rory McIlroy made ‘very average’ Jordan Spieth admission before eating his words

Rory McIlroy famously misjudged Jordan Spieth’s potential early in the young golfer’s career. During their first encounter at the 2013 Valero Texas Open, McIlroy was unimpressed when Spieth missed the cut, dismissing him as “very average.” However, just two years later, Spieth would prove McIlroy wrong in spectacular fashion.

In 2015, Spieth not only won the Masters and U.S. Open but also came close to a Grand Slam with a second-place finish in the PGA Championship. His remarkable rise to world No. 1 left McIlroy reflecting on his earlier comments.

McIlroy, a seasoned golfer with four major championships to his name, has often been seen as a good judge of up-and-coming talent. However, Spieth’s rapid ascent underscored the unpredictable nature of golf, where even the most unassuming players can rise to greatness.

Spieth added another major to his name in 2017 at The Open, solidifying his place among the sport’s elite. While McIlroy’s initial assessment was far from accurate, Spieth’s achievements have since spoken for themselves, highlighting the challenges of predicting success in such a nuanced and competitive sport.