Spieth Sits Down With Longhorn Legends, Tees Off at the Masters

By Chris O'Connell in Sports, TXEX on April 10, 2014 at 9:42 am | No Comments

When former Longhorn Jordan Spieth tees off at his first Masters at 10:52 this morning, he’ll follow in the footsteps of another UT golf great. Ben Crenshaw, Life Member, winner of the 1984 and 1995 Masters, began his round at Augusta National early today after talking with Spieth and Brandel Chamblee, BS ’86, an award-winning commentator for the Golf Channel.

Spieth, a lifetime Longhorns fan, had loving words to describe his time at UT.

“The life lessons I’ve learned there are more than anything you could on the course,” Spieth said. “It’s really is an incredible place. There’s no other place like it.”

In the same interview, Chamblee recalled his own decision to enroll at the university. “I was mesmerized by the tradition and passion that everybody has for this university’s history,” Chamblee said. “Both what this school stands for in education and athletics.” He also acknowledged Earl Campbell’s 220 yards rushing in a decimation of Texas A&M on Thanksgiving of 1977 having something to do with it.

The 20-year-old Spieth may not bring a green jacket back to the Forty Acres, but he certainly doesn’t lack the confidence necessary to pull off the long-shot. When asked by Golfweek about the opinion that a rookie can’t win at Augusta, Spieth didn’t shy away.

“I don’t see that it’s a big deal at all,” Spieth said. “I think if I get my game ready, then it’s all possible.”

Whether it’s the veteran Crenshaw or youngster Spieth, we’re rooting for a Longhorn victory.

Tags: ben crenshaw, brandel chamblee, Earl Campbell, jordan spieth, Longhorn sports, Masters Tournament