While Jordan Spieth was busy preparing for a run at a third straight major victory, he found time Wednesday at St. Andrews to talk about a special role he played on Grandparents Day during the past school year.
Spieth is outspoken about his involvement with his family, which resides in Dallas. His grandparents, though, live in Pennsylvania and North Carolina. So when his 14-year-old sister, Ellie, who has special needs, had a Grandparents Day function at school, Jordan stepped in, happy to be able to spend extra time with her.
"My grandparents weren't able to make it down for a day or two because one lives in North Carolina and the other is in Pennsylvania, so I just went in there and I was just there to support her and hang out," Spieth told reporters. "I was picking her up, I went in early and they had a little party and got to meet some of her friends in her new class, and yeah, it was fun."
This was just another example of how strong of a connection he has with his sister.
Since turning pro in 2012, Spieth has seen less of his family. Spieth, 21, said he understands the practical reality, but it's still frustrating.
"You don't have the time you do in high school to go in there," he said. "But any time I'm home I'm spending time with Ellie. I take her to school, pick her up, spend time at my parents house or she'll come over and hang out, my whole family will. When I'm home, I like to spend as much time as I can with my family because we're on the road so much, and I'm fortunate that I live five minutes from them, and it's very easy when I am home."
As if Spieth hasn't picked up enough of a fan base from winning two straight majors, this story might just add to it. Then again, so will winning the Open Championship.
