Spieth takes road less to traveled to British Open

The record will show that Spieth took a three-shot lead into the final round at Royal Birkdale, closed with a 1-under 69 and won by three shots over Matt Kuchar, giving him the third leg of the career Grand Slam.

Spieth was spared at Royal Birkdale by making a bogey from the driving range when he was expecting no better than a double bogey.

Henrik Stenson finished with four birdies over the last five holes at Royal Troon last year to pull away from Phil Mickelson in one of golf's greatest duels.

Spieth headed back home to Texas with golf's oldest trophy, and the first drink to be poured must surely be some magic elixir.

Spieth's tee shot on the 13th hole went some 75 yards right of the fairway, and he was told it bounced off a spectator's head into even more trouble.

The ball eventually was found nestled in thick grass on the slope of a dune so steep that Spieth could barely take a stance, much less swing a club.

Kuchar, who had to wait 20 minutes for the ruling, missed his 15-foot birdie putt and only led by one.

Spieth hit a 6-iron that narrowly went in the cup , leaving a short birdie putt.

Imagine having a one-shot lead, going par-birdie-par-birdie, and being two shots behind.