Turtle named after pro golfer with Pender Co. ties

SURF CITY, NC (WWAY) — The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center is paying tribute to Jordan Spieth’s local ties.

A turtle was named after the star and they’re inviting his grandfather to a future turtle release. Director Jean Beasley said the green turtle came to them in April in really bad shape. She said they name their turtles after a relevant challenging event at the time the turtle comes in. She said this one got to take on Spieth’s name and success.

“Because this turtle gave us the impression that it wanted to live and indeed that has been the case with Spieth,” Beasley said. “I mentioned that his grandfather would be invited to help release Spieth when Spieth is cleared to be released to his ocean home.”

Beasley said at this point Spieth is not ready to go back, but she is hoping he can be released next June. The turtle also posted big plans on Facebook.

“As they fed me, gave me my baths, and treated my wounds I heard them talking about a golfer who had just won the the Augusta Masters, the post read. “They were saying that he had some ties to Topsail Island and that his grandfather lived in nearby Hampstead … Then came the very very best moment. Somebody said, ‘I know what we can name this little turtle. Spieth! Spieth in honor of Jordan Spieth.’ If I hadn’t been so sick and weak at the time I would have clapped my flippers.”