Wednesday 15 April 2015 18:10, UK
Masters champion Jordan Spieth has played down comparisons linking him with 14-time major champion Tiger Woods.
The 21-year-old became the second youngest Masters winner of all-time with a four-stroke victory over Justin Rose and Phil Mickelson at Augusta, the same age Woods was when he claimed his maiden Green Jacket in 1997.
Spieth also equalled Woods’ lowest collated Masters score by shooting 18-under over the four rounds, only missing out on the outright record with a bogey on the final hole and with a first major title already secure.
Although Spieth's rapid rise has clear similarities to that of Woods' all those years ago, the Texan believes it's premature to discuss the possibility of emulating one of golf's all-time most successful players.
“I don’t think it’s fair,” Spieth said on Tuesday. “What Tiger has done for the game of golf, I don’t know if it can or will be matched ever.
“Certainly it’s really nice to be off to a great start and accomplishing this feat and equalling what he did at this age. Those comparisons I think are just talk right now; I don’t see it yet, but I see a nice giant step towards it."
Spieth’s victory propels him above deposed champion Bubba Watson and Sweden’s Henrik Stenson as the world No 2, as well as closing the gap on Rory McIlroy at the top of the rankings.
Although McIlroy's hopes of completing the Grand Slam were put on hold for at least another year by the American's victory, Spieth admits it's too soon to be considered one of golf's flagship names.
“Rory McIlroy is the one carrying the torch now, he’s No 1 in the world. There’s a lot of great young players as well as guys in their prime and guys that are more experienced.
“There’s a wide array of great golf going on and as far as somebody to carry the torch (for the sport), I’d like to get in a position to battle it out with couple of these guys.”
Spieth immediately returns to action at this week’s RBC Heritage, becoming the first Masters winner since Zach Johnson in 2007 to tee off in Harbour Town the following week.
Watch the RBC Heritage live on Thursday from 8pm on Sky Sports 4 – your home of golf.
