If you think the pursuit of the career Grand Slam is proving a poisoned chalice for Rory McIlroy, what about Jordan Spieth? This week at the US PGA Championship at Bethpage, he will have his own chance to complete the set at the indecently young age of 25.
It tells you everything about how far Spieth has fallen since the Holy Grail moved into view that even the idea he could claim the Wanamaker Trophy causes an embarrassed silence, and a quick change of subject.
At least with Rory, there seemed a realistic chance when he stepped on to the first tee at Augusta to try to complete his set at the Masters. With Spieth, the curse is so overwhelming it's not just the week of the elusive major where he disappears from view — it's every week.
Jordan Spieth has failed to finish inside the top 20 in 11 tournaments so far this year
How different it all was when he won the Open at Royal Birkdale in 2017, leaving him with only one leg of the four Grand Slam titles to claim. With three majors to his name at just 23, and with that drive and that putting stroke, he appeared to have cemented his position as the natural American heir to Tiger Woods.
Who could have predicted back then that he would still be awaiting his next victory of any kind, almost two years later?
Yet even that startling fact only touches the surface of his decline. The last time Spieth was remotely in contention to win was at the Open at Carnoustie last year, when he was tied for the lead after three rounds, only to fall apart on the final day.
Since then, he hasn't had a top-10 finish. Indeed, this year, he hasn't finished in the top 20 anywhere in 11 tournaments.
The American has failed to claim a title since winning his third major title at The Open in 2017
'I had a little mud on the ball and that caused it to go off line. It was a little unfortunate timing there.'
On the shortlist for understatement of the year is this gem from American pro Tyler Duncan, who
