SOUTHPORT, England -- Jordan Spieth stood dead-center in the middle of Royal Birkdale's 18th fairway Saturday afternoon, some 40 yards ahead of Matt Kuchar. He watched his playing partner take aim at the flagstick and nearly hole his approach for eagle. He then hit his own shot, one he figured was destined for the bunker, but hung on the right edge of the green.
As they walked together down the fairway, serenaded by shouts of their names and raucous applause, Kuchar turned to Spieth and said, "This is pretty cool."
They soaked it in, two competitors, yes, but two buddies enjoying their roles in the scene.