Jordan Spieth Faces Extended Layoff Following Wrist Surgery
In a blow to the golf world, Jordan Spieth has announced that he expects to miss the entirety of the 2024 season following surgery on his left wrist. The decision comes after years of persistent discomfort and recurring dislocations that have plagued the former world number one since late 2017 or early 2018.
Spieth confirmed that he had been dealing with significant wrist issues for years. "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 explained. Despite his ongoing struggle, Spieth continued to compete, demonstrating remarkable resilience amid physical pain.
Painful Poolside Incident
The turning point came in May of last year when a severe wrist dislocation occurred during a poolside incident with his son. "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,'" Spieth recounted. This incident forced him to withdraw from the Byron Nelson tournament the following week, and the issue only worsened from there.
Spieth revealed that he experienced approximately 20 dislocations since February 2024, a staggering number that significantly hampered his performance throughout the season. His iron play, a cornerstone of his game, was notably affected. The wrist issues reached a point where Spieth almost withdrew from the John Deere Classic, highlighting the severity of his condition.
"It was something that couldn't fix itself with rest, unfortunately. So that's why I ended up having to do this," Spieth said. Initially, he contemplated surgery in July but chose to push through the season, a decision that in hindsight may have exacerbated his condition.
Optimistic Outlook on Recovery
Despite the setbacks, Spieth remains hopeful about his recovery. He expects to start hitting balls again in November 2024, although competing in events in December 2024 seems unlikely. "Playing any events in December feels like a stretch," Spieth admitted.
Reflecting on the mental toll of his injury, Spieth noted that the impact extended beyond the physical pain. "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. And then I'd get into competition, and then I'd just bail. It was very strange. And so I guess it was a big enough sample size over a year, you'd think it frustrates you after a week or two, but for me, I just kind of kept thinking, 'You know, hey, this is just something mechanically I gotta fix.'"
Encouragement from Fellow Athletes
In navigating his recovery, Spieth has sought advice from various athletes who have undergone similar surgeries. Their words of encouragement have been a source of solace. "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 said.
Spieth's surgeon also expressed confidence in the procedure, which has further bolstered the golfer's spirits. "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 shared. "In due time, it should be better than it was before."
As Spieth embarks on his recovery journey, fans and the golf community will undoubtedly miss his presence on the course. The hope is that with time, patience, and proper rehabilitation, Spieth will return to the level of play that once made him a dominant force in the sport, ready to resume his career in 2025 with renewed vigor and health.