'I needed some time off' - Spieth hoping break pays dividends

The winner of two majors during a sensational 2015 season, Spieth has since slipped to fifth in the world rankings, behind Jason Day, Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson and Henrik Stenson.

Spieth's last competitive outing came at the Ryder Cup.

Jordan Spieth is hoping a reduced workload will help him rediscover his best form.

The winner of two majors during a sensational 2015 season, Spieth has since slipped to fifth in the world rankings, behind Jason Day, Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson and Henrik Stenson.

Twelve months ago, Spieth had begun a hectic period of travel that saw him take in tournaments in China, Australia, the United States, Abu Dhabi and Singapore in relatively quick succession.

Yet the Texan was a notable absentee from the WGC-HSBC Champions event in Shanghai a fortnight ago and is set to play just twice in the remainder of 2016 - at the Australian Open and Hero World Challenge.

Spieth's last competitive outing came at the Ryder Cup, more than five weeks ago, and he told Golf.com: "I just wanted an off-season. I needed some time off."

After confirming his intended plan for the rest of the year, he added: "I might do more, but I want to take it slow and see what happens.

"I don't need that [extensive travel]. I don't miss that at all."

Spieth offered a concise answer when asked what he needs to differently in next year's majors.

"I've just got to do what I did in 2015," he replied, in reference to a stunning campaign that saw him follow up victories at the Masters and U.S. Open with top-four finishes at The Open and US PGA Championship.