Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas give golf the rivalry it has cried out for since the days of Tiger Woods

GOLF has been crying out for a defining rivalry ever since Tiger Woods burst on the scene.

That was 20 years ago. But we might just have one — between two stars who met for the first time aged 13 on the practice range at a Dallas event in 2007.

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Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas then went out and shot 68s to share the lead.

Thomas said: “Jordan came and introduced himself on the range. I thought that was cool. We’ve been friends and competitors ever since.”

Spieth then shot 71 to win, leaving Thomas five shots back in second.

Thomas has remained in his pal’s shadow — until this year.

But FIVE wins, including a first Major, the USPGA, have made him Player of the Year favourite.

His closest challenger is, you guessed it, Spieth.

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He has three victories, including The Open. But to make a real fight of it, Spieth may need to win the last two FedEx Cup events.

Their amateur paths crossed often and Spieth said: “It surprises me people ask how we can be so close and want to beat each other so bad.”

Thomas was jealous of Spieth’s two Majors in 2015 but added: “I feel like I’ve made a big breakthrough.”

Their rivalry may be a big breakthrough for golf.

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