“PRO” FILE – TOURING PROFESSIONAL JORDAN SPIETH

At the age of 21, Jordan Spieth joins a list of golf prodigies who have made their mark early on the men’s professional and amateur scene, such as Bobby Jones, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, and Rory McIlroy. His impressive 4-stroke victory at the Masters last month is a continuation of a run that is sure to last for years to come. Spieth first made national news at the age of 16 at the Byron Nelson Championship, finishing in a tie for 16th after being in serious contention for the first three rounds. He attended the University of Texas for one year, helping that program to a national championship, and then turned pro. Spieth experienced an unexpected detour when he failed to reach even the final stage of Q-school that year, and started the 2013 season with no status on any tour. He quickly rectified that situation, playing well enough on limited sponsor’s exemptions to earn unlimited sponsor’s exemptions for the rest of the year. He realized his promise when he won the John Deere Classic, becoming the first teenager to win on the main US tour since 1931. He later played on the President’s Cup team that year and last year’s Ryder Cup team. Spieth’s humble nature has endeared him to many golf fans, although he is a fierce competitor between the ropes. He wants it known that his recent form is not the result of a “good run,” but what he expects every time he tees it up. American golf is in good hands for years to come with Jordan Spieth perhaps leading the way.