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Houston: last step for Spieth before defending Masters crown (The Associated Press)

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Jordan Spieth hits his tee shot on the eighth hole during round-robin play against Jamie Donaldson at the Dell Match Play Championship golf tournament at Austin County Club, Friday, March 25, 2016, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

HOUSTON (AP) -- Jordan Spieth is so excited about returning to Augusta National next week to defend his Masters championship that just thinking about it makes him feel like doing pushups.

First things first. Spieth believes a strong showing in the Shell Houston Open, which starts Thursday, could have a significant impact on how well he plays in this season's first major championship.