Jordan Spieth has been a figure of resilience and determination in the golf world, but the journey has taken a toll on his health, specifically his left wrist. The seasoned golfer announced he will be sidelined for the entirety of 2024 to recover from surgery aiming to address a persistent wrist issue that first surfaced between late 2017 and early 2018.
For years, Spieth has battled a nagging discomfort in his wrist, but a particular incident in May of last year marked a significant downturn. A poolside mishap with his son resulted in a severe wrist dislocation, forcing him to withdraw from the Byron Nelson tournament the following week. This was only the beginning, as Spieth revealed he suffered around 20 wrist dislocations since February 2024, severely affecting his performance throughout the season.
The Decision to Undergo Surgery
The cumulative toll of the dislocations, coupled with consistent discomfort, led Spieth to a critical decision point. "It was something that couldn't fix itself with rest, unfortunately. So that's why I ended up having to do this," Spieth explained. Despite considering surgery back in July, he chose to soldier on through the season, showcasing his characteristic tenacity. However, the ongoing issues with his wrist play took a significant toll on his game, particularly his iron play.
One poignant moment came when Spieth almost withdrew from the John Deere Classic due to yet another dislocation. This incident underscored the severity of his condition and highlighted the urgency for medical intervention. "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.
Looking Towards Recovery
The surgery marks a hopeful turning point for Spieth, who is optimistic about returning to the game stronger than before. "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 remarked, reflecting on the expertise of his medical team. He's been in communication with various athletes who have undergone similar procedures, and their experiences have given him a positive outlook. "In due time, it should be better than it was before," he added.
Spieth's road to recovery will be gradual. He aims to start hitting balls again by November 2024, but any competitive play in December seems highly unlikely. This deliberate pace reflects advice he received from fellow athletes: "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."
The Mental and Physical Challenge
While the physical aspect of his injury has been daunting, Spieth acknowledged that the psychological impact has been equally significant. "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 disclosed. The mental strain of competing with a persistent injury was a significant challenge, but Spieth resisted making excuses for his performance. "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.'"
As Spieth embarks on his recovery journey, the golf community waits in anticipation for the return of the player who has shown relentless perseverance on and off the course. His focus on a full recovery and careful return to the sport is a testament to his dedication and love for the game. With the proper rehabilitation and time, anticipation builds for Spieth to emerge healthier and more formidable for the 2025 season.