Jordan Spieth, the three-time major winner and fan favorite, has announced that he expects to be sidelined for the remainder of 2024 following surgery on his left wrist. The decision comes after several years of coping with a persistent wrist issue that has plagued his performance on the PGA Tour.
A History of Wrist Woes
The origins of Spieth's wrist troubles date back to late 2017 or early 2018, although he managed to continue competing despite the discomfort. The tipping point occurred in May of last year when a severe wrist dislocation, caused by a poolside incident with his son, forced him to withdraw from the Byron Nelson tournament. Reflecting on the moment, Spieth recounted a conversation with his caddie, Michael Greller: "I actually texted [caddie] Michael [Greller] like, 'Hey man, it came out last night, it hasn't gone back in overnight. And I can't do this. I gotta go get this thing fixed now.'"
The incident was far from isolated. Spieth experienced approximately 20 wrist dislocations since February 2024, severely impacting his iron play throughout the season. Notably, he nearly withdrew from the John Deere Classic due to another painful wrist dislocation. Despite enduring the physical agony, the emotional strain was equally taxing. "I really didn't wanna make any excuses for myself the whole year because it wasn't hurting to hit the shot. And then I'd get into competition, and then I'd just bail. It was very strange," Spieth admitted.
The Decision for Surgery
As the 2024 season progressed, it became increasingly clear that resting alone would not alleviate Spieth's wrist problem. "It was something that couldn't fix itself with rest, unfortunately. So that's why I ended up having to do this," he explained. Despite almost opting for surgery back in July, Spieth decided to push through the season. Ultimately, the deteriorating condition of his wrist left him with no alternative but to proceed with the surgery.
Spieth's confidence in the procedure is bolstered by the expertise of his surgeon. "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," he said. Encouragingly, he remains optimistic about his recovery and future performance. "In due time, it should be better than it was before," he noted.
The Road to Recovery
Looking ahead, Spieth has outlined a cautious timeline for his return to the game. He anticipates starting to hit balls again in November 2024, although the likelihood of participating in any events in December seems slim. "Playing any events in December feels like a stretch," he acknowledged.
The mental fortitude required for rehabilitation has become a significant focus for Spieth. He has sought advice from various athletes who have undergone similar surgeries, drawing inspiration and hope from their experiences. "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," Spieth shared.
Looking Forward to 2025
For now, Spieth's focus remains on his recovery and the long-term perspective of resuming his career. The injury's impact has extended beyond the physical aspect, affecting his mental approach to the game. Nonetheless, his dedication to overcoming this obstacle and returning stronger than ever is evident. Spieth's fans and fellow competitors will undoubtedly be eager to see him back on the course, swinging freely and competing at the highest level once again in 2025.
The journey back to the top will require patience and perseverance, qualities that Spieth has demonstrated throughout his decorated career. As he takes this time to heal, the golfing world awaits his triumphant return, hopeful that the surgery will mark the end of his persistent wrist troubles.