Jordan Spieth's 2024 season came to an abrupt end with the golfer announcing that he would be out for the rest of the year following surgery on his troublesome left wrist. The decision was not made lightly, as Spieth has battled the wrist issue for several years, with the problem dating back to late 2017 or early 2018. Despite the recurring discomfort, Spieth continued to compete on the PGA Tour.
The recent severity of his condition can be traced back to a severe dislocation in May of last year due to a poolside incident involving his son. Spieth’s situation escalated with approximately 20 wrist dislocations since February 2024. The persistent injuries significantly hindered his iron play throughout the season, forcing him to contemplate his options closely.
A Chronic Battle
As the pain and dislocations continued, Spieth found himself almost withdrawing from the John Deere Classic. "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," said Spieth. "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.'"
The decision to undergo surgery became inevitable as rest alone was insufficient to remedy 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 explained. He had previously considered surgery in July but opted to push through the season, hoping to manage the pain and avoid drastic measures.
Impact Beyond the Physical
Spieth acknowledged the injury's toll, admitting its effects were more than just physical. The ongoing discomfort affected his performance and mindset. "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."
Seeking expert advice, Spieth spoke with various athletes who had undergone similar surgeries, finding hope in their experiences and optimistic outlooks. The input was invaluable as he weighed his options and prepared for the uncertain path ahead.
Looking Towards Recovery
Despite the setbacks, Spieth remains hopeful about his recovery, aiming to start hitting balls again in November 2024. However, playing any events in December seems unlikely. "Playing any events in December feels like a stretch," he admitted, emphasizing the need for a cautious approach to rehabilitation and recovery.
Spieth’s resolve and commitment to returning stronger are evident. “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. His optimism shines through as he looks forward to resuming his career in 2025. "In due time, it should be better than it was before."
His caddie, Michael Greller, has also been a significant pillar of support. Spieth recalled a telling moment: "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.'"
As Spieth embarks on this journey towards recovery, the golfing world watches with bated breath, anticipating his return to form and competitive spirit. His career, marked by perseverance and talent, promises a thrilling comeback. With the right rehab, patience, and support from his team and fans, Jordan Spieth’s future in golf looks as promising as ever.