Much has been made about Spieth's poise and presence in the spotlight. His mom says a reason for that is his sister, who was born with a neurological disorder, which places her on the autism spectrum.
When Spieth was blowing away the competition en route to his first Masters title, Ian O'Connor wrote about Spieth's family keeping him grounded during his rapid rise to stardom. He writes that Jordan calls his sister "the funniest member of our family" who has shaped him more than golf ever could.
Ellie inspires her entire family and keeps them in the moment, and her influence was ingrained in Jordan early on.
"Ellie always thought her brothers won at everything," Chris said, "so there's no way they were allowed to be down around her. No way. Jordan realizes this isn't real life at the Masters. Trying to sit around and have dinner when his sister doesn't want to eat when everybody else is eating and has a fit, that's real life."
"I really love when she's able to be out there, love spending time with her," Spieth said. Even when they are apart, Jordan FaceTimes Ellie and trades video messages with her and the rest of his family.
"It's humbling to see her and her friends and the struggles they go through each day that we take for granted," Spieth said. "And my experience with her and in her class and with her friends, it's fantastic, and I love being a part of it and helping support it."
Jordan Spieth acting beyond his years often seems more remarkable than his golf game. So far, the fame and fortune that has come with Spieth's early success has not derailed him; and with Ellie and his family's support, Jordan will continue to spoil us with some great golf for many birthdays to come.