Jordan Spieth, the renowned golfer whose career has been marked by remarkable highs and formidable challenges, has recently announced that he expects to be out for the remainder of 2024 due to surgery on his problematic left wrist. This marks the latest chapter in Spieth’s ongoing battle with a wrist issue that has plagued him for several years.
Spieth's wrist troubles began between late 2017 and early 2018, and despite persistent discomfort, he continued to compete at a high level. "It was something that couldn't fix itself with rest, unfortunately. So that's why I ended up having to do this," Spieth said, highlighting the difficulty of his decision.
The severity of his condition became apparent in May of the previous year. A poolside incident with his son caused a severe wrist dislocation, which led Spieth to withdraw from the Byron Nelson tournament the following week. Since February 2024, he has experienced an alarming number of approximately 20 wrist dislocations, significantly impacting his iron play throughout the season.
Spieth nearly withdrew from the John Deere Classic due to another dislocation, underscoring the extent of his struggle to maintain his game. "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,'" he revealed, pointing out the frustration and physical pain he endured.
A Necessary Decision
The wrist issue reached a point where continuing to push through the pain was no longer feasible. Spieth admitted he contemplated surgery as early as July but chose to persevere through the season. However, as the pain and dislocations persisted, it became clear that rest alone would not suffice. Ultimately, he decided that surgery was necessary to remedy his condition and restore his form.
"Playing any events in December feels like a stretch," Spieth acknowledged, considering his expected timeline for recovery. He is hopeful to start hitting balls again by November 2024, though making a competitive return by the end of the year appears unlikely.
Looking Beyond the Physical
Spieth has been candid about how the injury has affected more than just his physical game. "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," he explained. This candid admission reveals how the injury not only impacted his performance but also his mental approach to the game.
In his journey towards recovery, Spieth has sought advice and comfort from athletes who have undergone similar surgeries. "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, expressing his optimism about the future.
Hopeful for the Future
Despite the setback, Spieth remains positive about his return to the sport he loves. He recounted the encouraging words from 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." This confidence from a seasoned medical professional seems to bolster Spieth's resolve.
"In due time, it should be better than it was before," Spieth said, looking forward to regaining his form and returning to competition stronger than ever. His resilience and determination, despite the substantial challenges he faces, continue to define his career and inspire fans worldwide.
Jordan Spieth's journey through injury and recovery serves as a testament to his enduring spirit. While his absence in 2024 will be felt, the golfing community eagerly awaits his confident return in 2025, ready to watch him once again compete at the highest level.