Jordan Spieth Faces Extended Absence Following Wrist Surgery
Jordan Spieth, one of golf's most compelling figures, has announced that he anticipates being sidelined for the remainder of 2024 after undergoing surgery on his ailing left wrist. The injury, one that has plagued the three-time Major champion for several years, reached a tipping point earlier this year, necessitating surgical intervention.
Spieth’s wrist issues trace back to late 2017 or early 2018, a time that marked the start of years of persistent discomfort for the golfer. Despite the physical challenges, Spieth continued to compete on the PGA Tour, displaying a resilience that inspired many within the sport. However, the severity of the issue escalated with a significant incident in May of last year when Spieth dislocated his wrist in a poolside accident involving his son. This accident led him to withdraw from the Byron Nelson tournament shortly afterward, a decision that hinted at the severity of the problem.
Further complicating his 2024 season, Spieth experienced approximately 20 wrist dislocations since February. The frequency of these dislocations inevitably influenced his iron play, a key component of his game. The issue nearly forced him to withdraw from the John Deere Classic, illustrating the physical limits he was contending with.
The relentless nature of the injury left Spieth with no choice but to opt for surgery. "It was something that couldn't fix itself with rest, unfortunately," Spieth explained. "So that's why I ended up having to do this."
Spieth nearly chose surgery in July but decided to persevere through the season, a decision that showcased his characteristic tenacity but ultimately led to further complications. Reflecting on the ordeal, Spieth remarked, "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."
Describing the turning point, Spieth recounted a conversation with his caddie, Michael Greller: "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.'" His decision to undergo surgery was solidified by the necessity to address the ongoing pain and functional limitations that rest alone could not alleviate.
Spieth’s hopes for recovery are buoyed by consultations with medical professionals and fellow athletes who have undergone similar procedures. "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 said with cautious optimism. He added, "In due time, it should be better than it was before."
The psychological toll of the injury has been as profound as the physical pain. "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," Spieth disclosed. "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.'"
Looking ahead, Spieth expects to start hitting balls again by November 2024, although playing in any events in December seems unlikely. "Playing any events in December feels like a stretch," he noted, tempering expectations for an immediate return to competition.
The Texan remains hopeful for a complete recovery and a strong comeback in 2025. Spieth has been in touch with athletes across various sports who have faced similar challenges. "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.
Spieth's journey through injury and recovery underscores the grueling realities of professional sports. Yet, with a resolve as strong as his, fans and fellow competitors alike can look forward to seeing him back in action, ready to reclaim his place amongst golf’s elite.