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Jordan Spieth says being world No 1 is not a goal ahead of Phoenix Open

By Ali Stafford

Thursday 1 February 2018 12:06, UK

HONOLULU, HI - JANUARY 12: Jordan Spieth of the United States reacts after playing his shot from the 17th tee during round two of the Sony Open In Hawaii

Jordan Spieth says he is not focusing on challenging for the world No 1 spot as he chases a first win of the season at the Waste Management Phoenix Open.

The three-time major champion heads to TPC Scottsdale as world No 3 and can close the gap on current leader Dustin Johnson with a strong performance this week.

Spieth has topped the world rankings for 26 weeks across four separate spells during his career so far, but believes a return to the top of the standings is not a priority.

HONOLULU, HI - JANUARY 12: Jordan Spieth of the United States plays his shot from the 17th tee during round two of the Sony Open In Hawaii at Waialae Coun
Image: Jordan Spieth has not featured outside of the top 20 in an event since last year's PGA Championship

"It's not even a goal or on a radar for me anymore," Spieth said. "It was something I wanted to do as a goal and if I were to take care of the other goals, then that becomes something with it.

"I took great pride in getting there, but I'm focused on other things. My view on it is probably different from guys who are searching to get there.

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"I honestly think guys would have actually taken more pride if they were to dethrone Tiger back in the day than they would getting the No 1 right now to be honest, because there are a number of people that can do it depending upon how the Major season goes this year."

The American tees off alongside Justin Thomas and Patton Kizzire for the first two rounds, while world No 2 Jon Rahm features with Phil Mickelson and Xander Schauffele.

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SAN DIEGO, CA - JANUARY 28: Jon Rahm of Spain reacts after missing a putt on the fourth green during the final round of the Farmers Insurance Open at Torr
Image: Jon Rahm only turned professional after the 2016 US Open

Rahm missed out on overtaking Johnson as world No 1 after failing to follow up his CareerBuilder Challenge victory with a win at last week's Farmers Insurance Open, although still has high hopes of eventually grabbing top spot.

"It's a goal I've had I've been working for over 10 years and I'm only 23," Rahm said. "So close to half of my life I've been working to get to that point.

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"I think, not only for me, for every golfer, it's extremely important, but if you think about it, at the end of the day it's a reward for good play.

"If you keep playing good golf and you keep improving and your progression is the same, eventually you can get to No 1. I can't get too caught up on that because to get there I need to keep playing good tournaments.

SAN DIEGO, CA - JANUARY 28: Jon Rahm of Spain plays his shot from the fifth tee during the final round of the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines South
Image: Rahm is already a three-time winner on the PGA Tour

"It's not just going to happen like that. I try to keep my mindset on playing good golf week-in and week-out and hopefully keep playing good golf like I have been doing up until now."

Watch the Waste Management Phoenix Open throughout the week live on Sky Sports Golf. Live featured coverage begins on Thursday from 2.15pm.

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