Golf fans were met with disheartening news as Jordan Spieth announced he will be sidelined for the remainder of 2024 due to surgery on his left wrist. The three-time major champion has battled this persistent issue for several years, with the first signs of trouble emerging in late 2017 or early 2018.
Despite the ongoing discomfort, Spieth continued to compete at the highest level. However, a severe wrist dislocation in May last year, caused by a poolside incident with his son, exacerbated the condition. This incident led him to withdraw from the Byron Nelson tournament the following week. "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.
The injury proved to be more severe than initially thought, with Spieth experiencing around 20 dislocations since February 2024. This constant disruption significantly impacted his iron play throughout the season. The golfer admitted he almost withdrew from the John Deere Classic, a clear indication of how debilitating the injury had become.
The Decision for Surgery
Spieth's decision to undergo surgery wasn’t taken lightly. After considering various treatment options, he determined that rest alone would not suffice. "It was something that couldn't fix itself with rest, unfortunately. So that's why I ended up having to do this," he explained. Spieth contemplated surgery as early as July but chose to push through the season with hopes of possibly avoiding the operation.
The golfer's discussions with other athletes who had undergone similar procedures played a crucial role in his decision-making process. Spieth revealed, "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."
Road to Recovery
Spieth projected optimism about his recovery timeline, expecting to start hitting balls again by November 2024. Nevertheless, he conceded that playing in any events in December seemed improbable. "Playing any events in December feels like a stretch," he acknowledged. The golfer’s focus remains on making a full recovery to return stronger in 2025.
The mental strain from the injury was as taxing as the physical discomfort. Spieth admitted, "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.'" This perspective highlights how deeply intertwined physical and psychological elements are in professional sports.
Looking Ahead
Spieth's candid acknowledgment of his situation shows his determination to overcome this adversity. He expressed confidence in his surgical team's expertise, stating, "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 remains hopeful that the surgery will not only alleviate the pain but also improve his overall performance. "In due time, it should be better than it was before," Spieth optimistically remarked.
As Spieth embarks on this arduous journey back to health, fans and fellow athletes alike will undoubtedly look forward to his return to the PGA Tour. His determination and resilience serve as a testament to his character and commitment to the sport. While 2024 may be a year of recovery, the golfing world awaits Spieth's comeback with anticipation and hope.