Young Jordan Spieth is one of the most popular golfers in the world right now. Focused on having more fun this season, Spieth partnered with Ryan Palmer for the Zurich Classic in New Orleans. You probably wouldn’t bat an eye seeing the two paired together, as the two Texans are close friends. But, their pairing has a unique backstory.
Spieth a Man of his Word
Last November, Spieth was golfing at Trinity Forest in Dallas with a large group of friends. The group included Palmer, Palmer’s caddie James Edmondson, Harrison Frazar, and Beau Hossler. Prior to the round beginning, Edmonson made a friendly bet with Spieth – if Edmonson beat Spieth, then Spieth had to partner with Palmer at the Zurich Classic.
Although Edmonson had nothing to lose, this was no small bet! Spieth has won the Masters and has been ranked as the number one golfer in the world. Edmonson is no slouch though, as he is a former college golfer and the four-time club champion at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas.
Since Spieth partnered with Palmer at the Zurich, you can probably connect the dots as to what happened. Edmonson won, shooting a 71 on the day! Spieth put the Zurich on the schedule, even though he had played it only once before, missing the cut in 2013.
Spieth and Palmer finished in 4th at the Zurich, shooting a -22. The pair was five strokes back from winners Jonas Blixt and Cameron Smith. The Zurich provided a welcomed, relaxed atmosphere for Spieth, who was coming off a disappointing finish at the Masters a few months prior. Spieth told AP reporters, “Ryan really got us going, which was great, because these first rounds have been a bit of a downfall for me this year thus far, and we were able to kind of ride that momentum into the back nine.”
Looking for Competition on the Course?
If you’re looking for consistent competition while on the golf course, consider joining Westlake Golf’s Men’s Club, which is now accepting new members. Members are consistently active in tournaments and other club events, playing on Wednesdays and Saturdays year-round. One of the primary goals of the Men’s Club is to “promote and foster among its members a closer bond and fraternity for their joint and mutual benefit and to promote and conserve the best interests and the true spirit of the game of golf as embodied in its ancient and honorable traditions.” Joining the club can give you the comradery that Spieth found when challenged at Trinity Forest in November.