AUGUSTA, Ga. — A year ago, at this very place, Jordan Spieth provided a tantalizing glimpse of what the future might hold.

Only 20 and playing in his first Masters, Spieth was two shots ahead in the final round, looking all but certain to become the youngest champion in Augusta National history.

Even when he faded down the stretch, settling for the runner-up spot behind Bubba Watson, greatness seemed assured for this mature-beyond-his-years Texan.

Now, Spieth wants to finish the job.

“I’m a lot more confident in the way I can handle certain situations, and the patience level I have,” he said. “I’m just going to try to take the same mental attitude into the next couple of days.”

Spieth flirted with the major championship scoring record on Thursday, making eight birdies on the first 14 holes, several of them little more than tap-ins. A bogey at the 15th knocked him back a bit, but a 20-foot birdie on the final hole gave him an 8-under 64 and a three-shot lead heading to the second round.

It’s not over, of course. Major champions Ernie Els and Justin Rose are right in the mix after shooting 67s. Jason Day, a perennial contender at Augusta, also had a 67 after ripping off five straight birdies. Sergio Garcia posted a 68.