Spieth: Tiger comparisons are premature

Spieth's resounding victory ahead of defending champion Patrick Reed, saw him match Woods' record for the second most trophies won before the age of 23. Despite the overwhelming evidence, Spieth does not feel comfortable being compared to the 14-time major winner.

Published : Jan 11, 2016 15:39 IST

World number one Jordan Spieth
World number one Jordan Spieth
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World number one Jordan Spieth

World number one Jordan Spieth is adamant he is not in the same company as Tiger Woods after cruising to victory at the Tournament of Champions.

There were no surprises on Sunday as Spieth, 22, won his seventh PGA Tour crown courtesy of a comprehensive eight-shot win.

Spieth's resounding victory ahead of defending champion Patrick Reed, saw him match Woods' record for the second most trophies won before the age of 23.

Despite the overwhelming evidence, Spieth does not feel comfortable being compared to the 14-time major winner.

"I just think it's [the comparison] premature, but I'll probably say that my entire career," Spieth said after he finished at 30 under, only the second time it has been done in a 72-hole tournament.

"I understand those comparisons are going to be there, and I hope they continue to be there because that means I'm playing golf at a very high level. But I find it hard to believe what he did can be matched, to be able to do it for an entire career like he did.

"What he's done for the game of golf is phenomenal and personally I don't think I deserve the comparison."

After sweeping virtually all before him in 2015, winning The Masters, U.S. Open, FedEx Cup, Tour Championship, John Deere Classic and Valspar Championship, this year looks to be more of the same.

The 2015 PGA Player of the Year and PGA Tour Player of the Year told Golf Channel: "I guess we made a statement that the calendar changed but we're still there.

"There is no reason why my game should change with the calendar. It certainly didn't. If anything I felt we've even improved during the off-season.

"This was kind of a tournament where guys were knocking rust off but I felt mine was already off.

"We just tried to stay patient and knew we had more holes left. Eventually if we stuck to our goal and waited for our opportunities it would happen, it was inevitable.

"Everyone is going to be bringing it and I have to work harder."

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