It’s hard for me to admit that I like Jordan Spieth. It’s not that I don’t respect him, but being the same age as a guy who is consistently adding 0’s to his bank account by playing golf for a living creates a bit of an envy-based distaste. Not to mention the fact that he played for the other school in Texas. After attending the Shell Houston Open this past Saturday it became evident to me that my opinion of the young golfer from Dallas was not shared. On the contrary, the people love Jordan Spieth.
From the reaction of the crowd when his name was announced on the first tee, you would have thought that he just won the tournament. The audience following Spieth from hole to hole rivaled that of Mickelson’s, and there was a considerable amount of burnt orange being sported by the gallery. And maybe it was the Longhorn fans in Houston tipping the scales a bit, but when you think about Spieth’s accomplishments it’s hard to draw the line at just that. Since going pro in 2012, Spieth has claimed a PGA Tour victory at the 2013 John Deere Classic, as well as the 2015 Valspar Championship. He also claimed an international victory at the 2014 Emirates Australian Open, and another 2014 victory in the Hero World Challenge. Spieth recorded 9 Top 10 finishes out of 23 events played in 2013, 8 Top 10 finishes out of 27 events played in 2014, and has 5 Top 10 finishes in 8 events played thus far in 2015. I’m not going to mention the purse he’s raked in, but it’s a lot. And from the moves he’s been making in the last 4 months, 2015 is going to be a big year for the guy. He is currently sitting in 2nd place in the FedEx Cup rankings, and 6th in the official world golf rankings. That’s right, Rory, Spieth is coming for that number one spot, and quickly.
Spieth works hard, and when talent works hard it grows the fan base beyond just the alma mater you may or may not have graduated from. Jordan, it’s not that I dislike you, I just wouldn’t mind spending a day or two in your Under Armour golf shoes. Despite what I think, there’s no doubt in my mind, the people love Jordan Spieth, and as his success flourishes so will the support. I wish nothing but the best for him.
Spieth would tie for second in the 2015 Shell Houston Open after being beaten by J.B. Holmes in a three man playoff on Sunday.
Categories: Golf, Professional Sports
The Armchair All-Americans 