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Spieth starting to enjoy his new place in golf
UNIVERSITY PLACE, Wash. -- When asked if he sees himself differently in the mirror now that he's a major champion, Masters winner Jordan Spieth gave his typical "Aw, shucks" response.
"I don't look at myself or my game much differently since the Masters," he said Monday ahead of the U.S. Open at Chambers Bay. "I think it was a life-changing event for me off the course. On the course, when I get in the ropes, I don't feel any different."
Maybe that's because, inside the ropes, Spieth can't wear that green jacket which reminds him things are different now -- everywhere. Funny then that Spieth, sitting idly at home in Texas last weekend, decided on a whim to put his Masters pelt.
"I think I was just kind of watching TV and wanted to slip it on, just kind of felt like it," Spieth said to laughter. "Why wouldn't I put it on, to be honest with you?"
Spieth flexed a little of that Masters muscle on Monday evening, as ESPN reported, making arrangements via text message to be a part of Tiger Woods' typical 7 a.m. practice time the next morning. That space is reserved for guy who Woods respects. A Masters title has a way of commanding it.
This morning's practice session with Woods may have sent a subtle signal to the field. Maybe it was just an opportunity to learn from an all-time great. Or maybe it was Spieth, who feels good about his chance's this week, trying to stay sharp.
"I wish the tournament started two days ago," Spieth said. "I'm striking the ball really well. It's about continuing to do so."
Ryan Ballengee is a Yahoo Sports contributor. Find him on Facebook and Twitter.
