Golf fans hold their breath as Spieth prepares to challenge McIlroy in Abu Dhabi

Spieth has hit the ground running, becoming only the second player in PGA Tour history to finish a 72-hole tournament at 30 under par or lower

The 2016 European Tour season began in November last year, a full four days after Rory McIlroy wrapped up the 2015 season with victory in the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.

And the PGA Tour went one better – or one worse, depending on your point of view – by starting their “wraparound” season in October, meaning they have already staged nine regular tournaments and two lucrative limited-field events.