Spieth in elite company because of majors, not style points

SOUTHPORT, England (AP) — Jordan Spieth was happy enough to see his name on the claret jug without wondering where he fit in among the rest of the British Open champions whose names are engraved on the oldest trophy in golf.

Rory McIlroy looked unstoppable when he won the British Open and PGA Championship at the end of 2014, and then headed to Augusta National for a shot at the Grand Slam.

Phil Mickelson won the British Open in 2013 and was a U.S. Open away from a career Grand Slam — the major where he was runner-up six times.

Even though Spieth already has 11 victories on the PGA Tour, including his three majors, he does not bring intimidation to the first tee.

[...] there were Tiger-like qualities that emerged from a six-hole stretch of golf at Royal Birkdale that became part of major championship lore.

The drama was similar to Woods running off three straight birdies at Valhalla when he won his third straight major in a playoff at the 2000 PGA Championship.

[...] almost like Tiger, where people can maybe feel like they can't do it against Jordan.

Because he's been up there a few times now.