Jordan Spieth Faces Extended Absence Due to Wrist Surgery
Jordan Spieth, one of golf’s most recognizable names, has confirmed that he will be sidelined for the remainder of 2024 following surgery on his troublesome left wrist. Spieth disclosed that his wrist problems began in late 2017 or early 2018, and despite persistent discomfort, he continued to compete at the highest level.
"It was something that couldn't fix itself with rest, unfortunately. So that's why I ended up having to do this," Spieth said.
The severity of Spieth’s condition became more evident recently, with a severe wrist dislocation occurring in May last year during a poolside incident involving his son. This incident forced him to withdraw from the Byron Nelson tournament the following week. Since then, the golfer has experienced around 20 dislocations between February and his decision to undergo surgery, significantly affecting his performance throughout the 2024 season. The impairment to his iron play was particularly noticeable, leading to frustrations both physically and mentally.
Competing Despite Pain
Spieth had been competing amid these challenges, which peaked with almost withdrawing from the John Deere Classic due to yet another dislocation. Reflecting on his year, Spieth said, "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 acknowledged that the discomfort and recurring injuries did more than just affect his physical game. The mental toll of dealing with uncertainty and pain led him to finally opt for surgery after considering it in July but choosing to push through the season instead. "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 noted.
A Careful Recovery
Looking ahead, Spieth remains cautiously optimistic about his recovery. With plans to start hitting balls again in November 2024, he is not pinning hopes on participating in any events by December. "Playing any events in December feels like a stretch," he remarked.
Spieth has also sought advice from various athletes who have undergone similar surgical procedures. "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."
Meanwhile, his medical team remains upbeat about the surgery's success. Spieth shared an interesting interaction with his doctor, emphasizing his confidence in the procedure. "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 quipped.
With his sights set on a full recovery and a successful return to the sport, Spieth encapsulates the resilience and determination typical of elite athletes. "In due time, it should be better than it was before," he expressed, hopeful for the future and eager to revive the promising trajectory of his golfing career in 2025.