Sophie Spieth is a Ryder Cup baby, Rome declares

Sophie Spieth, the newest addition to the Spieth family, made a timely entrance into the world on September 12th, just days before her father, Jordan Spieth, was set to compete in his fifth Ryder Cup at the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Rome. While it may seem like a fortunate coincidence, this birth was not orchestrated to align with Ryder Cup participation.

Captain Zach Johnson, who selected Spieth as one of his wildcard picks for the U.S. team, expressed unwavering confidence in Spieth’s availability, stating that he was privy to certain information from the Spieths that assured him of Jordan’s commitment.

During a press conference, Spieth briefly touched on the subject, emphasizing that the timing of Sophie’s birth was not meticulously planned around the Ryder Cup. He affirmed, “I was not prioritizing my child’s birth to happen at a certain time because of the Ryder Cup, but we knew it was going to happen because of certain reasons.”

While the impending birth kept Spieth in Dallas while the team scouted Italy, he diligently prepared by reviewing extensive notes provided by his regular partner, Justin Thomas. His first glimpse of the Marco Simone course came on Monday, where he sped through the front nine with caddie Michael Greller. On Tuesday, Spieth, along with Thomas, Patrick Cantlay, and Xander Schauffele, tackled the back nine, likely forming half of the American lineup for the opening foursomes session.

This marks Spieth’s third Ryder Cup appearance in Europe, following his participation in 2014 at Gleneagles, Scotland, and 2018 at Le Golf National, Paris. Among the Americans, only Rickie Fowler has more overseas Ryder Cup experience.

Spieth’s Ryder Cup record stands at 8-7-3, with a noteworthy 5-3-1 record in away games—a challenge he relishes. He acknowledged the unique atmosphere of the away Ryder Cups, where the majority of spectators are rooting against the American team. Spieth commented, “So these are very unique, and I try to remember that coming in and really embrace that and try to have a lot of fun with it because although they are rooting against you to make putts, they are very educated and fantastic crowds that if you have fun with, they will have fun with you.”

Fortunately, Spieth will have the opportunity to create more cherished Ryder Cup memories this week.

Reflecting on Sophie’s timely birth, Spieth humorously noted, “In a way I guess she always will be. As she gets older, she’ll figure that out on her own and hopefully be aware of that because of when she was born, and I think that will be a fun thing for us to share. I’m glad I don’t have to tell her that we had her at a certain time just so I can play in the Ryder Cup. But it worked out. It’s great to be here, and I can’t wait to tell her about it.”