Golf world number one Jordan Spieth has credited his victory at the Australian Open in Sydney in 2014 as the catalyst for a spectacular year in which he claimed two major titles. The 22-year-old American shot a final round course-record 63 to win the title by six strokes to seal victory.

Following the win in Australia, he went on to win the Masters and US Open and the US PGA Tour's FedEx Cup. The Texan also finished in a tie for fourth at the British Open and was runner-up behind Australia's Jason Day. The win in Australia was only Spieth's second tournament victory and the one which he says launched his rise to the top of the rankings.

"I think after the Sunday round here I felt like it was a very special round that was going to do something for me. No I didn't think it would launch to the type of year that we've had because each piece needed to come together to get a bit more comfortable in the bigger situations, but I learned how to really close here with my head," Spieth said at a press conference.

"I had my game, I knew I could do it, I was tied for the lead I think with a few other guys entering the final round, with Scotty [Adam Scott] right there, obviously a winner and a major champion, and really stayed very patient and played one of the best rounds I've ever played in my life when I really needed it.

"I went on the next week to play I felt like the best golf I've ever played over a four day stretch at Tiger's [Woods] event, and gained that momentum and really have that mental edge come the weekend, that I really could close the deal. I've had it for my whole life and then I kind of lost it for a bit there on tour which is a bit of a learning curve, this tournament really launched that side of my game."

Spieth is looking to become the first player to retain the title since Australia's Peter Lonard did it in 2004.

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