In a development that has sent ripples through the golf community, Jordan Spieth has announced he will be sidelined for the entire 2024 season following surgery on his left wrist. The wrist issue is not a new affliction for Spieth but a lingering problem he has managed for years—dating as far back as late 2017 or early 2018. Despite years of persistent discomfort, the decision to go under the knife was necessitated by the severity and frequency of recent dislocations, culminating in 20 dislocations since February 2024 alone.
In May of last year, a severe wrist dislocation due to a poolside incident with his son further aggravated an already challenging situation. Speith had to withdraw from the Byron Nelson tournament the following week, acknowledging that his wrist's deteriorating condition made it untenable to continue competing at the highest level. Continuing to play throughout 2024, Spieth found his iron play consistently compromised, almost withdrawing from the John Deere Classic due to yet another dislocation.
"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.
Spieth considered surgery in July, but in true competitor's spirit, he opted to push through to season's end. However, rest alone proved ineffective, and seeking a permanent solution became imperative. "It was something that couldn't fix itself with rest, unfortunately. So that's why I ended up having to do this," he explained.
Now, with surgery completed, Spieth looks to November 2024 to begin the painstaking process of recovery and gradually start hitting balls again. The notion of playing any events in December seems unlikely, further solidifying his focus on fully recovering and preparing for 2025. "Playing any events in December feels like a stretch," Spieth admitted, underlining the seriousness of his commitment to an effective rehabilitation.
Not merely a battle of physical endurance, Spieth's injury also weighed heavily on his mental fortitude. "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,'" Spieth shared.
Drawing wisdom and encouragement from conversations with fellow athletes who have undergone similar surgeries, Spieth expressed optimism about his path to recovery. "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," he remarked.
His surgical team's expertise further bolsters Spieth's confidence. "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 remarked—a nod to the proficiency and experience driving his recovery process.
Spieth's journey has been anything but straightforward. Reflecting on how he has navigated his wrist issues over the years, he shared, "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." This candid admission encapsulates the persistent struggle he has faced, balancing the pursuit of peak performance with the relentless impact of an enduring injury.
Looking ahead, Spieth remains hopeful that the surgical intervention will herald a new chapter in his illustrious career. "In due time, it should be better than it was before," he optimistically stated, reflecting a steadfast belief that he will return stronger and more resilient.
As Spieth takes the necessary time to heal and rehabilitate, the golfing world eagerly anticipates his return in 2025. Until then, his focus remains singular—an unwavering commitment to overcoming this hurdle and making a triumphant return to the sport he loves.