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Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy defend Jordan Spieth

Unruly critics are a negative part of the package that comes with being a young phenom. Jordan Spieth has been keen to avoid the harsh comments, but apparently he can only take so much.

The World No. 1 posted a 5-over 76 Thursday at the Valspar Championship to sit T-117 through the first round. A few weeks ago, Spieth opened in 79 at the Northern Trust Open on the way to missing the cut. Another early exit could be in the offing Friday, and Spieth hasn't posted a top 15 since a dominant win at the Hyundai Tournament of Champions.