Jordan Spieth Credits Ex-PGA Tour Pro for Elevating His Game Amid Mediocre Form

Did Phil Mickelson surreptitiously influence the famous shot made by Jordan Spieth? Born in 1993 in Dallas, Texas, Jordan Spieth became a professional golfer in 2012 and rose to the top of the game instantly. He became the youngest player who won the U.S. Open since Bob Jones in 1923 by winning the Masters Tournament and the U.S. Open in 2015.

At the Open Championship in 2017, he earned his third major, confirming his place among the best in the sport. Spieth has received accolades for his exceptional short game throughout his playing days, particularly for his audacious cliffside shot at the 2022 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. According to recent revelations, Phil Mickelson was the inspiration behind one of Spieth’s trademark actions, the “nippy” stroke. Let’s check it out!

The impact of Phil Mickelson on Spieth’s “nip-spinner” shot

In the most recent installment of the “No Laying Up” YouTube channel, “A Bunch of Questions: Jordan Spieth’s Short Game,” Spieth discussed the mechanics of his famous “nip-spinner” shot. The discussion started when one of the hosts asked, “Jordan It’s, um, it’s good to see you. I have a technical question for you. How do you hit that nippy scooter that you’re known for? What’s the format on that?”  In response to the question concerning the method, Spieth replied that a discussion with Phil Mickelson influenced his strategy. “I talked to Phil Mickelson back in the day about it, and he described it really well. He was like, you know, other people chip, and like you and I and a few others, that you cover cut it.”

The technique entails imparting cut spin to maintain the ball low with substantial spin, Spieth explained in greater detail. “My weight’s forward, probably about 703 on the front foot, and you can kind of go with a little wider stance,” he stated, emphasizing the significance of an open clubface, weight distribution that favors the front foot, and keeping the club outside the hands during the swing. Known as a “cover cut,” this method produces the spin required to regulate the ball upon landing while permitting a lower trajectory.

This understanding of Spieth’s short game exhibits Mickelson’s subtle but important impact. Renowned for his skill in the short game, Mickelson has helped Spieth hone his strategy and add to the young champion’s collection of incredible shots. Spieth’s “nippy,” which is distinguished by its low trajectory and strong spin, has become a mainstay in his arsenal and frequently leaves onlookers and rivals in amazement. Spieth is currently preparing for a big comeback at the Genesis Invitational as he works to improve his Mickelson-inspired short game. Let’s explore this!

Jordan Spieth gets extra privilege for the Genesis Invitational

Jordan Spieth has received an exclusive exemption to participate in the 2025 Genesis Invitational, which will take place at Torrey Pines Golf Club in San Diego, California, from February 13 to 16. Spieth, who returned to competitive play after a six-month absence due to surgery on his left wrist, will be making his third start of the year.

Spieth is not the only well-known athlete to be granted this exemption. Gary Woodland, Justin Rose, and Rickie Fowler have also received invitations to compete in the prestigious event. Tiger Woods hosts the PGA Tour’s renowned Genesis Invitational, and these exclusions reflect the tournament’s dedication to having a talented and challenging field. Fans are excited to see Spieth’s distinctive shots, including the Mickelson-inspired nip-spinner shot, on the difficult Torrey Pines layout as he continues his recovery. He and the other exempted players’ involvement is expected to make the event more exciting and intriguing.