Spieth’s Unconventional Route To Contention

PEBBLE BEACH, CALIFORNIA | For Jordan Spieth, if it’s not one thing, it’s another.

If it’s not a 4-iron shot that runs out more than 270 yards and over the cliff on Pebble Beach’s famous eighth hole, it’s a bunker rake hidden in the high grass that snagged a second shot that may or may not have been special.

If it’s not another birdie (Spieth has made nine of them over the first 36 holes), it’s another bogey (he has made eight of those so far).

If it’s not a monologue from the game’s most open-mic player, it’s a generally one-sided conversation with his caddie Michael Greller, sometimes crisply worded to vent the frustration that is inevitable from a perfectionist in an imperfect game.

As the U.S. Open weekend arrives at Pebble Beach, Spieth finds himself far enough behind to need something special to thrust him into serious contention but close enough to potentially make it happen.

“To be under par at the U.S. Open with eight bogeys in two days means things are in a good place,” said Spieth, who has tacked together rou...