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Jordan Spieth reveals Jack Nicklaus advice that shaped his Augusta National approach

Originally posted on HITC | By Lee Connor | Last updated Sep 19, 2025 10:54 AM ET

Jordan Spieth hit the ground running in his Masters career, and he has now pointed to some early guidance from Jack Nicklaus as a key part of that strong start.

The three-time major winner has always looked comfortable at Augusta National, picking up his first green jacket in just his second appearance back in 2015.

In fact, over his first five trips to the Masters, Spieth finished inside the top three on four occasions. The only exception was a T11 finish.

He has since picked up wins at the US Open and The Open but has not been able to add the PGA Championship. It is a gap on his CV that puts him in a similar position to Rory McIlroy, who spent years chasing the career grand slam until this year.

But at just 32 years old, Spieth still has time on his side. If he continues leaning on Nicklaus’ advice from way back in 2014, another green jacket might not be out of reach.

Jack Nicklaus’ advice for Jordan Spieth

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If you are a young player and Nicklaus offers advice, you would be wise to take it.

That was the case for Spieth, who made an immediate impact at Augusta, finishing second on debut before winning the following year and then placing runner-up again in 2016.

In an interview to PGA Tour media ahead of the Ryder Cup, Spieth shared what Nicklaus told him before his first shots at Augusta National.

“I received advice from Jack Nicklaus before my first Masters and he said ‘Although it doesn’t seem like it at Augusta, you can always play from the centre of every green.’

“And that was huge as I started out. Didn’t try to force anything in my first few years there and it led to a lot of success.”

Spieth’s Masters form through the years

Spieth will be the first to admit that he has not quite hit the heights many expected of him in recent years.

He had already won three majors, including The Masters, before turning 24, highlighting his early promise. But since then, his form has not lived up to those early standards.

That said, Augusta has always been a place where Spieth feels at home. His track record there speaks for itself.