Few people outside of the golf world knew who Jordan Spieth was at this time last year. The sport recognized names like Lefty, Bubba, Rory, and a guy named Tiger but this year is much different. As the sporting world zooms in on The Open Championship this weekend all eyes are on a young man from Dallas who will turn 22 next Friday.

Spieth takes his two Major Championship titles over the pond to compete for the Claret Jug and a step closer to golf immortality. The Grand Slam of Golf is something few of us have seen in our lifetimes. In fact, the last player to do it in a calendar year was the great Bobby Jones back in 1930. However, that was before the Masters even existed and Jones wasn’t even a professional. In order to win the Grand Slam at that time a player needed to win the US Open (Edina), The Open Championship (Hoylake), the US Amateur (Merion), and the British Amateur (St Andrews). A tall order indeed but nothing like the challenge the professionals face today. Spieth could win his third Major in a row this weekend which would spark a media frenzy that would make the Triple Crown coverage of American Pharaoh’s incredible run look like a dress rehearsal.

It won’t be easy for the smooth swinging Longhorn who must deal with all the hype and the typically challenging conditions at St Andrews. Never mind the 112 pot bunkers he will need to face. St Andrews sits on the east coast of Scotland where the wind blows and the temperatures stay in the 50’s. Some of the greatest names in American golf history have won on this sacred ground including Slammin’ Sammy Snead, John Daly, Jack Nicklaus, and most recently Tiger Woods. In order for Spieth to continue on the chase for golf perfection he will need to weather numerous storms in his head and in the sky above, both of which can change in an instant.

The table is certainly set for the young American. Last year’s champion and European favorite Rory McIlroy will not play after suffering an ankle injury last month. The Irishman would have been the favorite heading into the championship but now it is clearly Spieth. Rory may not be playing but the rest of the worlds finest are already in Scotland preparing to compete for one of the most recognizable trophies in all of sports. Yet, Spieth continues to play every interview like he plays his game. Smooth. He answers questions giving respect to the field but never loses confidence in himself or his swing. He showed the world just how much he believes in himself when he came out of nowhere on Saturday and shot the smoothest 61 you will ever see. Some experts have called him a robot who simply hits the fairway, sticks the green, and makes the putt. He can win both ways. He can put on a clinic like he did at the Masters, or he can hit the big shot when he needs to like he did at Chambers Bay. Most importantly, he loves the pressure and can make the big putt when it counts like he has always done in his short career. The only thing that could throw off this talented Texan might just be the cooler conditions. Spieth loves the heat but there won’t be much of it in Scotland this weekend. His win at Chambers Bay a links style course should provide the experience he will need to conquer the oldest test in golf.
               

I have an enormous amount of respect for this young man as you can tell. He has quickly become one of golfs greatest ambassadors here in the States and could continue that trend by adding the Claret Jug to his collection on Sunday. He is a young man that many kids already look up to and they should. Spieth is not only an incredible golfer he is an incredible person. His foundation The Jordan Spieth Family Foundation continues to focus on Autism Awareness throughout the country. This is something that hits home for this young superstar. His love for his sister and dedication to his family overshadow any of the accomplishments he has made on the golf course. Too often this summer we have heard and seen the dark side of sports. Jordan Spieth is a bright spot. A breath of fresh air. He is the greatest of champions who gives all he has both on and of the course. Win or lose this weekend he will remain a fan favorite for many years to come simply for being himself.