JORDAN Spieth is reminded of his first Ryder Cup by a painting of himself on the first tee at Gleneagles – but one thing he does not want to commemorate is the United States’ poor record.
America are seeking to avoid an unprecedented fourth successive defeat while also arresting a trend which has seen Europe win eight of the last 10 encounters.
“Honestly, I think we’re just tired of being told that we haven’t won in a while,” said the two-time major winner.
“There are ways that we could have improved to be better in what we did and everybody has to do their job in order to have the cup at the end.
“It’s going to be really cool having a home crowd. We want this one.”
The former Masters and US Open champion made his Ryder Cup debut in 2014, winning two and a half points in partnership with Patrick Reed.
Despite the defeat in Scotland, Spieth enjoyed the experience so much he has a painting of himself on the first tee hanging in his kitchen – the only visible piece of evidence in his house which identifies him as a professional golfer.
It is something which he believes inspires him every day. “I actually asked for a painted picture of that and I have it in my kitchen/living room,” he said.
“It’s the main piece of artwork that’s in my house, right after I struck my first tee shot at the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles.
“I don’t have anything around the house of myself up except for that, and it’s that special to me.
“We didn’t win the Ryder Cup. I didn’t make a putt to win the match there. It was just that feeling.”
Despite being only 23 Spieth is seen as one of America’s go-to guys both on and off the course.
He admits because of his relative youth it is sometimes difficult to know when to speak up in a team room featuring the likes of veterans Phil Mickelson, Matt Kuchar and Zach Johnson.
“I think there are times where I can step in from just a little bit of experience but I am definitely listening to those with a lot more experience,” he added.
“Other than Ryan (Moore) or Brooks (Koepka) I’m about as inexperienced as anybody in the Ryder Cup on this team.
“But if there’s a time or I feel the need, then sure, I’ll be confident in stepping up and saying something.”
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