MEET A YOUNG MAN WORTH CHEERING FOR!

Submitted by: Nancy Battle

MEET JORDAN SPIETH

Jordan Spieth believes in God.  And if you meet him in t, you’ll quickly realize that despite his great success — he remains very humble.  But Spieth doesn’t claim to be a perfect Christian.  In a recent interview, the second-youngest man to ever win the Masters shared that he desperately needs Christ, and thanks his family for keeping him grounded.Last year, Americans fell in love with the 22-year-old golfer hailing from the good ole’ state of Texas.  In 2015, Spieth placed first in the Official World Golf Ranking, tied the 72-hole record set by Tiger Woods in 1997, and became the second youngest to win the Masters, behind Woods.  He then won the U.S. Open with a final score of 5 under par.

To say that Jordan Spieth’s career is something quite remarkable, would be the understatement of the century.  His winnings last year alone totaled $23 million – not bad for a 22-year-old.  But there’s no obnoxious athlete ego here, Spieth is as humble as they come.Jordan Spieth was born on July 27, 1993, and raised in Dallas, TX, alongside his two younger siblings, Steven and Ellie.Little Jordan Spieth got into golf when his mom bought him plastic clubs as a toddler so he could occupy himself, while his younger brother could be looked after without distraction.
 Growing up, baseball was Spieth’s first love.  A left-handed pitcher, he gave it up at age 12 to focus on golf, and he quickly became one of the most impressive junior players.
It didn’t take long for the world to recognize Spieth’s God-given talent.  Even as a young player, Spieth’s laser-like focus enabled him to cancel out all other distractions and perfect his skill.
 But Spieth doesn’t pretend it came easily.  He recentlyjoked, “There’s a reason I have a hairline like this right now, and that’s because it’s stressful what we do on a daily basis.”
 At only 14-years-old, Spieth dreamed of winning the Masters. Little did he know, what an incredible ride it would be — and just how that “dream” would happen 7 years later.
 According to the pro-golfer‘s website, at age 16 while a high school junior at Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas, he was invited to play in the Hewlett-Packard Byron Nelson Championship, and gained national attention when he tied for 16th place.  Among other accomplishments as a junior, Jordan was selected to the victorious 2011 Walker Cup team, where as a 17-year old, he held an undefeated record. 
 Upon graduating from Jesuit, Spieth enrolled at the University of Texas, where he helped the Texas Longhorns win the 2012 NCAA Team Championship in his freshman year and was named First-Team All-American.  His sophomore year, Spieth decided to pause college and go professional, and the rest is history.
But despite his world-renowned accomplishments, Spieth doesn’t worry himself with showing off or blowing his money. Instead — and unlike many other golfers of his day — Spieth makes time for Bible study, his longtime high school sweetheart, and his family.
 Spieth is a humble man, and his actions reflect it.  With every sincere and gracious post-win speech, Spieth’s first thank-you’s always go to the volunteers and staff.  Spieth is so down to earth, in fact, that he still drives the same car he did in high school.
 The pro golfer explained, “No, I’m driving the same car I drove when I was heading into college after senior year.  It’s just a Yukon.  Honestly, my dad’s very good at keeping me grounded with that, putting it away, growing it.  I don’t have a desire to go out and just buy stuff.”
 The young golfer isn’t concerned with putting on a show or impressing anyone.  After winning the Masters, Jordan Spieth set himself apart (yet again) when he politely declined to have a celebratory reception in one of Augusta’s swanky restaurants. Instead, the young man requested a private dinner with his family and closest kin — at the local Chick-fil-A.
Spieth often shares that his 14-year-old sister, Ellie, who has autism, is one of his biggest inspirations.  Ellie’s life is what keeps him grounded and her fearless example is what keeps him going.

 Spieth told CBS This Morning, “She is our motivation.  She’s my biggest fan.  It puts things in perspective when you look at the big picture and the struggles that she goes through each day just to do simple tasks that we take for granted.”
While other famous golfers pose for pictures with supermodels in skimpy swimsuits, Spieth takes photos with his little sister.
 “She’s my inspiration,” Spieth told the UK’s Telegraph.  “She’s the funniest member of our family.  I really love spending time with her.  It is humbling to see her and her friends and the struggles they go through each day, which we take for granted.  They are the happiest people in the world.”
 After every trip, Spieth brings home a keychain, souvenir, or small trinket for his little sister.  Spieth is so proud of Ellie, he often invites her on stage with him. To Spieth, people are far more important than golf.  Inspired by his sister, Ellie, Jordan fulfilled a lifelong dream by launching the Jordan Spieth Family Foundation.  Spieth has made it his personal endeavor to encourage and support underprivileged kids, military families, and children with special needs.

Additionally, Spieth is a loyal man.  He doesn’t waste his time clubbing or getting drunk.  And unlike most celebrity men, Spieth has remained by his lady — Annie Verret’s side since high school.

We’ve come to find out that Spieth’s girlfriend is much more than just a pretty face.  Annie Verret works at The First Tee, a youth development organization that focuses on impacting the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.

Perhaps the most inspiring thing about young Spieth, is his love and devotion to his Savior, Jesus Christ. Spieth’s lifestyle shows that the young man is wise beyond his years.  To guard himself against the temptations of fame and fortune, Spieth has surrounded himself with like-minded men who love God, like Bubba Watson.
 Watson shared that young Spieth makes time to invest in his relationship with God and other believers, he said, “He goes to Bible study with us on the Tour here.”Jordan’s former athletic director in high school shared, “Jordan is just very genuine.  He says what he believes.  
He believes in supporting others, taking care of others before he takes care of himself.”

Spieth’s actions reflect his Faith.  His very life is a testimony.  He doesn’t brag.  He loves GOD. He goes to Bible study.  He honors his family.  He lives humbly.  He encourages and supports those around him.  Despite the thousands of adoring fans, Spieth knows who alone is worthy of adoration — his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. While listening to Jordan Spieth’s inspiring story, I just couldn’t help but think of James 4:10, which reads,
 “Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.”
 Thank you, Jordan Spieth, for allowing your life to be a living testimony and example!  America needs more men of Faith like you!