Heading into the week, people wondered if Spieth, the defendind champion, would be a factor at August National after struggling to find his best form in recent tournaments. McIlroy might be the most talented player on tour.
Saturday was an interesting exhibition of two heavyweights going shot for shot on golf's grandest stage.
Hole 1: After leaving himself a difficult birdie putt, McIlroy (-3) made a 5-footer for par. Spieth (-4) also had a lengthy birdie putt, but he too converted for his par. Both players looked solid over their knee-knocking comebackers.
Hole 2: Spieth (-5) hit his tee shot left near the hazard, but reached the par-5 in two.