Spieth to Return to Byron Nelson


Dallas amateur Jordan Spieth has accepted a sponsor's exemption to play in the 2011 HP Byron Nelson Championship at TPC Four Seasons Resort Las Colinas in Irving, Texas.

A 16-year-old Spieth made national headlines in 2010 when he made the weekend cut in the $6.5 million PGA Tour stop. He finished tied for 16th, the best amateur finish on record in the tournament's 43-year history.

"Jordan added a great energy to the tournament last year," said 2011 tournament chairman John Beckert. "And he certainly proved that he could compete at this level. I'm sure everyone will be interested to see how he follows that up on the course this year."

Spieth is currently ranked No. 2 on the Polo Golf Rankings, with his most recent American Junior Golf Association victory recorded February 21 at the 2011 HP Boys Championship at Carlton Woods in The Woodlands, Texas.

The 2009 U.S. Junior Amateur champion, Spieth led the 2010 U.S. Junior Ryder Cup team to victory by winning all three of his matches. Spieth also claimed a win at the 2010 Ping Invitational. Now 17, he's set to enroll at the University of Texas this fall.

The 2011 HP Byron Nelson Championship, which is put on by the Salesmanship Club of Dallas, will be played May 23-29 over the Memorial Day weekend.