Jordan Spieth Faces Prolonged Absence Following Wrist Surgery
Jordan Spieth, a three-time major champion and a celebrated golfer, finds himself on an unplanned hiatus as he recovers from surgery on his left wrist. The 30-year-old announced that he expects to remain on the sidelines for the remainder of 2024. This development follows a series of escalating issues that began years ago, severely impacting his performance and forcing him into a difficult decision.
The wrist trouble dates back to late 2017 or early 2018. Despite persistent discomfort, Spieth continued to compete, displaying his characteristic resilience and determination. “Like I said, I really didn't wanna make any excuses for myself the whole year because it wasn't hurting to hit the shot,” Spieth shared. “And then I'd get into competition, and then I'd just bail. It was very strange.”
The tipping point came in May of the previous year when a severe dislocation occurred during a seemingly innocuous poolside incident with his young son. The injury was no minor setback; it was significant enough to see him withdraw from the Byron Nelson tournament the following week. This incident marked the beginning of a tumultuous period, with Spieth experiencing around 20 dislocations by February 2024 alone.
His performance throughout the 2024 season notably dipped, especially in his iron play, as the repetitive dislocations hampered his natural swing. The recurrence of these issues was a growing concern, and it almost led Spieth to withdraw from the John Deere Classic.
After considerable deliberation and consultation with medical experts, Spieth decided to undergo surgery. “It was something that couldn't fix itself with rest, unfortunately. So that's why I ended up having to do this,” he explained. His decision to opt for surgery wasn't rushed; he nearly went under the knife in July but chose to push through, hoping to end the season on a stronger note.
Now, post-surgery, Spieth aims to start hitting balls again by November 2024. Yet, the likelihood of him participating in any events in December seems slim. “Playing any events in December feels like a stretch,” Spieth candidly acknowledged.
The psychological toll of the injury has been substantial, casting a shadow over his physical pain. “I didn't get it fixed maybe then, and I kind of got into some bad habits, and then as I started to swing it better a few years ago it started to kind of act up again,” he remarked, reflecting on the long struggle and its impact on his game.
Spieth's optimism for the future remains undiminished, buoyed by conversations with other athletes who have undergone similar procedures. “I talked to a lot of different players who've had similar operations and a lot of guys across different sports and they're like, 'Look, one day you'll wake up and, if you're patient enough, you do the right rehab, you listen to your docs and you take your time, there'll be one day where you wake up and you're like, 'Man, I just totally forgot that there was ever an issue.' So I look forward to that day,” he said.
The expertise of his surgeon has also been a source of confidence. “Anytime a guy who does, you know, 30,000 to 40,000 surgeries is excited about something, you know, that's reason for me to feel good about it, I guess,” Spieth remarked, highlighting his trust in the medical team's capabilities.
As Spieth embarks on the road to recovery, he remains hopeful and focused on a return to the form that once made him one of golf's brightest stars. “In due time, it should be better than it was before,” he predicted with a sense of cautious optimism. Golf fans and fellow athletes alike will be watching closely, hopeful that the upcoming year will see him return to the peak of his powers and continue his illustrious career.