Jordan Spieth Serves Texas BBQ to Kick Off 2016 Masters

What do Texas BBQ and golf have in common? Under ordinary circumstances, not a lot. However, that quickly changed after Dallas-born Jordan Spieth won the Masters in 2015. After Spieth parred the 17th hole, remaining four strokes ahead of runner up Justin Rose, Ian Baker-Finch declared, “I think they’ll be serving Texas barbecue at the champions dinner next year.” After Spieth won the Masters tournament, Finch’s prophesy came true at the Masters Club Dinner, which was held on April 5, 2016.

Photo: SportsDay Dallas News

The 2016 Masters Club Dinner was held in honor of 2015 Masters Champion Jordan Spieth. It is an Augusta tradition that dates back to 1952, when the first Masters Club Dinner was held by Ben Hogan and served only 11 people. Spieth’s dinner  served authentic Texas BBQ to about 30 former champions, including legends Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Gary Player at the Augusta National Golf Club. Of course, Spieth was responsible for footing the bill. The menu was comprised of a local greens salads served alongside a corn muffin, beef brisket, smoked chicken, pork ribs, BBQ baked beans, grilled zucchini, roasted yellow squash, and bacon and chive potato salad. The dinner was finished off with a warm chocolate chip cookie and vanilla ice cream.

Photo: The Official Website of Jordan Spieth

Jordan Spieth is the second youngest golfer to win the Masters. Baseball was actually his first love, but by the age of 12 he changed his focus to golf. By the age of 16, Spieth was invited to play in his first PGA Tour and quickly gained national attention. He tied for 16th place.  By the time he was 17 years old, Spieth was selected by the 2011 Walker Cup team and held an undefeated record. He enrolled in college at the University of Texas and helped the Texas Longhorns win the 2012 NCAA Team Championship his freshman year.

Photo: The Official Website of Jordan Spieth

In 2013, Spieth turned pro and won his first professional tournament at the John Deere Classic. He was the youngest win the PGA tour in 82 years. He was then selected to play for the United States President Cup team, becoming the youngest to ever play in the event. He was selected as the 2013 Rookie of the Year. Spieth played his first Masters tournament in 2014 and placed second. In 2015, he won the Masters, ending the year as number one in the Official World Golf Rankings and as 2015 Player of the Year.

Jordan Spieth will attempt to defend his Masters title at the 2016 Masters tournament. Round one of the Masters tournament begins today, April 7, 2016 and will broadcast at 3 p.m. on ESPN. Players who will attempt at stealing the green jacket from Spieth include Jason Duffner, Larry Mize, and Bubba Watson among a slew of other amazing golf pros.