ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — Jordan Spieth was aggrieved at being given a warning for slow play, and complained that his tee shots were "short and crooked."
But after his opening round of the Abu Dhabi Championship on Thursday, the top-ranked Spieth's biggest concern might just be the sublime form of his playing partner.
Rory McIlroy got the better of Spieth in their first head-to-head of 2016, using his power and accuracy with the driver to set up a 6-under 66 that put him two shots off the lead held by American amateur Bryson DeChambeau.
Spieth, who scrambled well to shoot a 68, made an early-season statement two weeks ago by winning by eight strokes in Hawaii to back up his stellar 2015.