Date: November 14, 2016
Author: Martin Blake

Spieth takes in the majesty of Royal Sydney

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World No. 5 Jordan Spieth took his first look at Royal Sydney today and pronounced it "a gem''.

The American said he wanted to kickstart his 2017 season by performing well in the Emirates Australian Open, just as he did in the 2015 season after he won the 2014 Open at The Australian with a famous, closing 63.

He has not played since the Ryder Cup triumph by the Americans six weeks ago.

''It's great,'' he said after a casual practice on the back nine. "It's very different from The Australian Golf Club, tree-lined, different green styles and types of grass. But what a cool piece of property this is and what a great, old club. It's a gem.''

Spieth said weather conditions would be pivotal this week.

"Scores are just going to be dependent on weather, I think, depending on the wind. If it doesn't blow, you could tear this place. If it does, you can get in trouble pretty quickly.

"I feel very fresh. I feel strong and healthy as I've felt, probably ever. It's been really nice taking a few weeks off and just training, and starting to get back into golf the last couple of weeks, here and there. I'm trying to make an off-season, coming in here trying to get some momentum off the Aussie Open like I did a couple of years ago.''

Spieth and world No. 6 Adam Scott headline the field for the Open, which starts on Thursday.