McKINNEY, Texas (KTRK) Jordan Spieth is a big fan of the state of Texas, whether it’s the sweeping oaks of Hill Country, the Austin soundtrack, or his hometown of Dallas.
What happens when you hype a location? Others intend to pay a visit.
For example, this week at TPC Craig Ranch for the PGA Tour’s AT&T Byron Nelson, Spieth is extending a warm welcome to two old friends, Justin Thomas and Jason Dufner.
During Wednesday’s news conference ahead of Thursday’s first round, Spieth joked, “I have a couple roommates this week.”
With the PGA Championship approaching, Dufner and his girlfriend, as well as Thomas and his fiancée — as well as Thomas’s dog — are all staying at Spieth’s house this week. Thomas might reconsider after riding to and from the Spieth compound amid rush-hour DFW traffic, Spieth joked.
“In a perfect world, I believe he would have stayed closer to the course, but I believe he would have felt too bad staying at our house because we live here.” Spieth explained. “He didn’t say anything, but I suppose that’s how he feels when he’s going home during rush hour: ‘Man, you know, all right, I guess we’ve got to go back there.'”
“However, it’s a lot of fun.” We already stay together for more than half of the tournaments in a season, so it’s not that different, except that I get to sleep in my own bed. But it’s fantastic to hang out at night, get to show him about Dallas a little bit and have some excellent cuisine, and then we’ll do it again next week.”
Spieth is excited to put on a performance for his local friends and family. The University of Texas product hasn’t had much success in this tournament in the past, but after it moved to TPC Craig Ranch last year, he finished ninth, his best performance at the Nelson.
And he should be in a good mood after winning the RBC Heritage and knowing that his wife Annie and son Sammy will be staying with him for the week.
Is Spieth concerned about the mess that JT leaves behind?
“I never enter their room.” “No, he’s very clean, and they’re wonderful houseguests,” Spieth explained. “So far, I haven’t had any complaints, but it’s only Wednesday.”
“Ask me again later this week.”
