Spieth wrestled the mantle of the world number one away from Rory McIlroy at the PGA Championship last week, but risks handing it straight back with a poor performance this weekend.
The hitch?
McIlroy is skipping the tournament.
The Golf Channel reported this week that the vagaries of golf’s world rankings mean Spieth would be demoted to second spot if he finishes 15th or lower at the opening event of the FedEx Cup playoffs.
Not that he should be too concerned. Spieth won the opening two majors, fourth at The Open and second at Whistling Straights behind Jason Day.
“As far as No. 1 in the world, there are people, plenty of guys on tour right now that have held that position for longer than a week, and I’m happy to be in that position now, but I’d like to obviously hold it,” said Spieth of his possible slip down the rankings.
“If you win each week, you’re going to stay No. 1 and in my mind, that’s the goal is to approach each tournament to try and win and then try and keep this position for hopefully years.”
“But again, it can change in two weeks’ time, so I’m aware of that.”