A young man with an accurate vision

It might seem like an age ago to new Masters champ Jordan Spieth right now, but this viral video of him as a 14-year-old just about says it all.

Attending a camp, Spieth made it patently clear that he was a driven young man.

Nothing has changed.

And for much of it, has an Australian to thank.

Spieth’s ties with Australia go much deeper than just winning our national championship last year.

In Victorian Cameron McCormick, Spieth also has a coach who has him well versed in various shot-making aspects not all young Americans confront.

And in a recent interview with Australian Golf Digest, McCormick said the young Texan was always driven.

“When he first came to me as a 12-year-old at Brook Hollow Golf Club in Dallas, Jordan was a very reserved thinker,” said McCormick, who grew up on Melbourne’s Sandbelt but is now based in the US after a collegiate career of his own.

“(He) processed things and wasn’t afraid of providing confident, frank answers.

“He also wasn’t shy in demonstrating belief in himself.

“Fom day one, Jordan showed me some special traits.

“I actually do a presentation on this material that covers 90 minutes, so it’s hard to say in a few words.

“I will say the over-riding premise to forging his career was to support him with advice to enhance his skills, over and above the needs of stylistic trends and ideals.”

That well-heeded advice now has the golfing world quaking in its collective boots as to what Spieth might achieve.

"It's awfully impressive," world No.1 Rory McIlroy said after finishing fourth today.

"It's nice to get your major tally up and running at an early stage in your career. It's great to see, great for the game, and I'm sure there will be many more."

Joint runner-up Mickelson was equally effusive in his praise of his fellow American.

“He has no weaknesses," the three-time Masters champ said.

"He doesn't overpower the golf course, but he plays the course strategically well.

“He plays all the shots properly. And he has that ability to focus and see things clear when the pressure is on and perform at his best when the pressure is on.

"That's something that you really can't teach.

"Some players are able to do it, some players aren't. And he is."

McIlroy had a 68-66 weekend after being three over through 27 holes and in danger of missing the cut before charging home to finish at -12.

He will have to wait until next year to try to win the Masters and become the sixth player to complete the career grand slam.

But the way Spieth is playing, that task just became substantially harder.