Spieth’s Sunday Will Be Tough to Top
Jesuit alum Jordan Spieth had already accomplished some pretty amazing things in his young golf career, but he took it to a whole different level on Sunday in the final round of the John Deere Classic in Silvis, Ill.
Spieth, who turns 20 in two weeks, became the youngest golfer in 82 years to win a PGA Tour event by surviving a five-hole, sudden-death playoff with defending tourney champion Zach Johnson and David Hearn. In the process, Spieth earned his PGA Tour card and a two-year exemption, along with a spot in this week’s British Open.
After winning state titles, junior titles, and an NCAA championship with Texas as an amateur, Spieth turned pro in December. His first victory on Sunday was also his sixth top-10 finish.Until then, he had special temporary status on the tour. But with the victory, Spieth hopped on a plane to Scotland.
Just to get to a playoff, Spieth had to sink a miraculous bunker shot on No. 18, and then survive a couple of close calls in the first four holes of the playoffs. But missed putts by Johnson and Hearn left the door open for him.
