A Team of Champions Off the Course
In the world of professional golf, Jordan Spieth is celebrated for his skill and resilience on the green. However, his and his wife Paulina Gretzky's dedication to children's healthcare has become a defining legacy off the course. Partnering with hospitals, funding life-changing research, and amplifying global awareness, this power couple has redefined athlete philanthropy in the 21st century.
Jordan Spieth's Charitable Trust: Driving Impact Through Golf
Since establishing the Jordan Spieth Charitable Trust in 2014, the three-time major champion has prioritized pediatric care as a cornerstone of his philanthropy. The trust has donated over $25 million to organizations like the Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas, where it funds the Spieth Pediatric Mobility Clinic-a facility dedicated to treating movement disorders in children, including cerebral palsy and neuromuscular conditions.
Spieth's tournaments, notably the Valero Texas Open pro-am, have raised critical funds for initiatives such as:
- Prosthetic limb accessibility for low-income families
- Mental health programs for at-risk youth
- Innovative cancer treatments at Texas Children's Hospital
His philosophy is simple: "Golf has given me a platform, and it's my responsibility to use it for good."
Paulina Gretzky's Advocacy: A Voice for Vulnerable Children
Paulina Gretzky, an activist and influencer in her own right, has championed children's rights through partnerships with nonprofits like No Kid Hungry and Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. Her advocacy extends beyond fundraising-she leverages her social media presence (over 2 million followers) to spotlight gaps in pediatric healthcare, from vaccine disparities to rural hospital closures.
Notably, Paulina co-founded the "Drive for Kids" campaign, which has distributed over 10,000 free medical screenings to underserved communities. She also co-chairs the Children's Health Advisory Council at Cedars-Sinai, advocating for gender-specific research in pediatric heart disease.
Global Reach: Bridging Gaps in Access and Innovation
Together, the duo has funded projects with long-term impact:
Telemedicine Hubs: Launched in rural Texas to connect families with pediatric specialists.
Children's Health Equity Fund: Supports clinical trials for rare diseases disproportionately affecting minority populations.
International Partnerships: Collaborations with UNICEF to improve neonatal care in Sub-Saharan Africa.
In 2021, the Spieth-Gretzky family headlined the PGA Tour's "Birdies for Children" program, rallying fellow athletes to direct event proceeds toward pediatric mental health. The initiative raised $15 million, a record for the Tour.
Legacy Beyond the Scorecard
Jordan and Paulina's work exemplifies how athletes can harness fame and fortune to address systemic inequities. As Jordan stated at the 2023 Masters, "Winning is fleeting, but changing a child's future-that's forever." Their approach-combining strategic grantmaking, grassroots advocacy, and celebrity influence-has set a benchmark for sports philanthropy.