"Spieth’s star-is-born status is drawing massive attention and rejuvenating a tournament that was was lacking in star power."

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Thank God for sponsor's exemptions, right, boys? Isn't it great that a 16-year-old is upstaging you?

Jimmy Burch for the Star-Telegram:

The crowds following Spieth have been fantastic and have included, by Spieth’s estimate, about 500 of his fellow Jesuit students. Indeed, Spieth’s star-is-born status is drawing massive attention and rejuvenating a tournament that was was lacking in star power. Spieth has kept his composure through all of it.

Even better, he plays fast! Whether it's nerves or not, that depends.

“I’m getting a little jumpy in between shots, I’m walking really fast, and I realize that; I just can’t help it,” said Spieth, who has been coming to this tournament since he was 5. “But when I’m getting to the ball I’m remaining calm. ... I’ve only made a couple (bad decision) this whole week, which is normal for a 16-year-old like me. But, you know, I think controlling my emotions has been my strength.”

Jeff Rude writes about the phenom:

Spieth doesn’t play like a 16-year-old who is happy to be here. He plays like someone who wants to win. He plays fast and with authority. He gets emotional after undesirable results. He’s mentally tough beyond his years.

The kid is so likeable, Chapeau Noir even admires Spieth's "conservative and respectful clothing choices, today's double pleated cuffed trousers included."

And Burch notes this, which surely had to drive the PGA Tour nuts. After all, it's spontaneous, clever and admitting that attendance is awful, at the risk of de-valuing the Nelson brand in the eyes of the dream demo (the post millennials?):

Jordan Spieth’s influence on this Byron Nelson continues to grow. So much so that the tournament is offering Swinging 16 Sunday, which allows free admission to those 16 and under (with a school ID) attending Sunday’s final round. Those fans 16 and under who already had tickets through Ticketmaster can get refunds at Will Call.