Jordan Spieth’s younger sister Ellie is one of his biggest fans, but she may also be the reigning Masters and U.S. Open champion’s biggest critic.
Spieth spoke Thursday from the PGA Championship at Whistling Straits after opening with a one-under 71. He was asked about Ellie, who is 14 and has autism, being at the PGA Championship with the rest of his family. Ellie was not on site to see Jordan’s victories at the Masters and U.S. Open this season.
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“I heard her yelling when I was walking over the last barrier before the first tee,” Spieth said Thursday. “So I went down and saw my parents and Ellie. I didn’t hear them much on the course, I think they stayed back a ways. The crowds were big enough that I couldn’t pick them out, anyways. It’s awesome when she comes out to events. I’m interested to see if she made it through the whole round and what she thought.
“(Ellie) doesn’t really know the difference in a major or regular tournament. She only accepts me (if) I win. And if I don’t win, I better have something for her or take her shopping.”
Spieth’s playful answer highlighted Ellie’s role in his development as a person. His humility has often been attributed to growing up with Ellie, and she was even mentioned by Fox’s Joe Buck during the trophy presentation at Chambers Bay.
Here is Jordan and Ellie celebrating Jordan’s 22nd birthday, courtesy of Jordan’s mom, Christine Spieth.
@JordanSpieth Happy 22nd Birthday from your #1 fan! pic.twitter.com/wj79olQXX4
— Christine Spieth (@jsekiddos) July 27, 2015
Ellie may not realize the magnitude of her older brother’s fame. But there’s likely something special coming Ellie’s way whether Jordan wins his third major of the season this week or not.
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