Jordan Spieth has announced that he expects to be sidelined for the remainder of 2024 following surgery on his left wrist, marking a significant pause in the career of one of golf’s brightest stars. This decision comes after years of grappling with a persistent injury that has troubled him since late 2017 or early 2018.
The extent of Spieth’s wrist issues became publicly apparent in May of last year after a severe dislocation caused by a poolside mishap involving his son. The injury prompted his withdrawal from the Byron Nelson tournament just a week later. However, this incident was only part of a broader struggle, as Spieth had experienced approximately 20 wrist dislocations since February 2024 alone.
A Struggle to Compete
Despite the persistent discomfort, Spieth had continued to compete, albeit with his iron play notably affected throughout the 2024 season. He nearly withdrew from the John Deere Classic due to another dislocation, underscoring the severity and frequency of the problem.
"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. 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.'"
Spieth’s decision to undergo surgery came after a season-long battle with the injury where rest alone proved insufficient. "It was something that couldn't fix itself with rest, unfortunately. So that's why I ended up having to do this," he confessed. He had nearly opted for surgery in July but chose to push through the season, hoping to manage the ailment without going under the knife.
Hopeful Prognosis
Now, with surgery complete, Spieth remains optimistic. He expects to start hitting balls again in November 2024, although participating in any events come December seems unlikely. Reflecting on his decision and the advice of medical professionals, Spieth said, "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 has also consulted with various athletes who have undergone similar surgeries, gaining valuable insights and reassurances. "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.
While the physical pain and complications of his wrist injury have been significant, Spieth acknowledged the broader impact it has had on his performance and mental state. His iron play, a critical component of his game, suffered substantially throughout the year, and the injury's recurring nature disrupted his rhythm and confidence.
Looking Forward
There is a determined resilience in Spieth’s outlook. Despite the setbacks and the demanding path to recovery that lies ahead, he is hopeful about his return to the sport. "In due time, it should be better than it was before," he stated, a sentiment that reflects his commitment to not only recover but to come back stronger.
Spieth’s journey serves as a reminder of the physical toll of professional sports and the constant balancing act athletes perform between competing and managing injuries. His story resonates with many who have watched him rise as a young star and continue to cheer for his success. Spieth’s hiatus in 2024, though challenging, is a crucial step towards preserving his career's longevity and ensuring that when he returns, he does so in peak form.