In order to determine whether he did better than the S&P we would have to know the beginning balance, the dates and amounts of all contributions, and the ending balance.
If you don't know that those are requirements for determining the performance relative to a benchmark it is not obvious that you are knowledgable enough about finance to be directing his IRA. I am not accusing you of any wrongdoing, just noting a knowledge gap.
Of course the one way to be certain to do as well as the S&P is to invest in a low fee S&P index fund. Two of them come to mind, both Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). SPY and VOO. Either is a fine choice and the differences are miniscule. The choice really boils down to which has lower commissions at your brokerage house. This path requires no study, very little work and will get you better results than 90% of investors.
I understand your chagrin at my post. I am just not going to post all of the details. I am doing pretty well and am very qualified. Just not going to tell everyone what I’m doing. He just started his IRA and had $10,000 in it several months ago. It is now at $16,050. He’s doing okay. Nite.