We have entered professional golf’s newest golden age.
This year is turning into the best of times and Sunday’s extraordinary final round of the PGA Championship showcased two of golf’s rising young stars who have re-energized public interest in the game.
Jason Day, 27, became the first player in history to win a major tournament at 20-under-par. He shot a remarkably consistent four-round total of 268 with rounds of 68, 67, 66 and 67.
But Day, who became the fifth Australian to win the PGA title, was only part of the story. Jordan Spieth, having one of the most successful seasons in recent years, finished at 271, just 3 strokes behind Day.
Spieth, 22, comes from Texas and this year won two majors – The Masters and U.S. Open – and just missed a playoff at the British Open. In the four majors this year, Spieth was 54-under par, breaking Tiger Woods’ old mark of 53.
Spieth is the No. 1 ranked player in the world. Not bad for a 22-year old. But on Sunday he knew, the day belonged to Day.
The two young stars were paired together and for old-timers, it brought back memories of Palmer and Nicklaus. Both Day and Spieth displayed grit, determination and boundless talent.
“Jason put on a clinic,” Spieth told CBS-TV. Day’s clinic included a 382-yard drive at the 11th hole. “He played like a champion and deserved to win,” Spieth added.
Day was in tears on the 18th green after winning the PGA. He kissed his pregnant wife Ellie, and then carried his infant son Dash off the green.
“It’s an amazing feeling,” Day said after he was presented with the PGA Championship trophy. “I didn’t expect I was going to cry.”
Such humanity is part of what makes Day and Spieth so special. Both are polite with fans, accommodating to the media and possess a refreshing enthusiasm for the game that is fun to watch. Both are also brimming with good looks, charisma and talent.
It’s a winning combination for golf’s new golden era.
Tony Violanti writes for Villages-News.com
