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Spieth says he's ready to move on from prior year's Masters meltdown

When Jordan Spieth gets to the par-3 12th hole at Augusta National on Thrusday in the first round of the Masters, what will the 2015 champion do? What will he think?

It’s a question that most everyone in golf has asked since last year’s Masters, but Spieth has an answer: He won’t dwell on the past, rather he’ll consider his future opportunities at Augusta National.

“It is one of many tournaments I’ve lost given a certain performance on a hole or a stretch of holes,” Spieth said Tuesday of last year, losing a five-shot lead to start the final nine on Sunday with a 7 on the 12th hole. “It happens in this game. I stepped up today, first day back with the crowds and I hit it close, which is nice.

AUGUSTA, GA – APRIL 05: Jordan Spieth of the United States reacts to a shot by Matt Kuchar (not pictured) of the United States on the second hole during a practice round prior to the start of the 2017 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 5, 2017 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
AUGUSTA, GA – APRIL 05: Jordan Spieth of the United States reacts to a shot by Matt Kuchar (not pictured) of the United States on the second hole during a practice round prior to the start of the 2017 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 5, 2017 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

“I’m excited about the opportunity ahead, which is now I can go back and really tear this golf course up. I’ve got the opportunity for as many years until the day I get a letter saying ‘we would appreciate if you sat this one out.'”

Perhaps Spieth’s short-but-distinguished Masters career probably stands to help him move forward from the shocking meltdown of a year ago. In three Masters starts, he has finished tied for second, won and tied for second. Not bad. Since last April, Spieth has won three times around the world, including this year in a rout at Pebble Beach. Mental fortitude is Spieth’s greatest strength other than his putting. Spieth is choosing to focus on the next goal, not the one failure.

“I will do all I can to see all the positives and to grind it out like in 2015. And if it doesn’t happen this year, then I’ll be ready the next year to do it,” he said. “It’s my favorite tournament. I love being in contention here.”

Spieth has prepared for this moment as best he can, reportedly spending extra energy in Augusta National practice rounds in the last 12 months to build more good memories at the middle of Amen Corner that will help him move on from last year. However, all the preparation in the world can only go so far to prepare him for a feeling he won’t fully comprehend until tomorrow.

“We’ll step out and try and get a chance to win on Sunday on the back nine again,” Spieth said. “That’s all we’re asking for. That’s it.”


Ryan Ballengee is a Yahoo Sports contributor. Find him on Facebook and Twitter.