Jordan Spieth Sidelined for 2024 Following Wrist Surgery
Jordan Spieth, the acclaimed professional golfer, has announced he will be sidelined for the remainder of the 2024 season following a significant surgery on his left wrist. This comes after years of enduring persistent discomfort that dated back to late 2017 or early 2018.
Spieth's ongoing battle with wrist issues came to a head in May of last year after a severe dislocation caused by a poolside incident with his son. This injury prompted Spieth to withdraw from the Byron Nelson tournament the following week and was a catalyst for the increasing complications he faced throughout the 2024 season.
"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 decision to undergo surgery. Despite enduring approximately 20 wrist dislocations since February 2024, Spieth competed with grit and determination, even though his iron play suffered significantly.
His struggles reached a point where rest was no longer a viable solution. "It was something that couldn't fix itself with rest, unfortunately. So that's why I ended up having to do this," he admitted. Spieth nearly chose to have surgery in July but opted to finish the season, believing he could push through the pain.
Impact on Performance and Decision to Push Forward
Throughout the 2024 season, the wrist issue not only hindered Spieth's physical capabilities, but also affected his mental and emotional state. "Playing any events in December feels like a stretch," he acknowledged, casting doubt on an early return. The mounting dislocations almost led to his withdrawal from the John Deere Classic. But Spieth's persistent optimism and drive kept him on the course far longer than many might have endured.
Spieth confided in his caddie, Michael Greller, about the severity of his condition during a particularly troubling episode. "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,'" he shared.
The decision to undergo surgery was ultimately unavoidable. Reflecting on the delay to address his injury, he mentioned, "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."
Despite the physical pain, Spieth often refrained from making excuses, focusing instead on trying to improve mechanically. "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," he explained. This mindset underscores his resilience and determination to perform at his best, even under less than ideal circumstances.
Looking Toward Recovery
Now, with surgery behind him, Spieth has a clear path to recovery. He plans to start hitting balls again by November 2024, although participating in any events before 2025 remains uncertain. His spirits are lifted by the advice and experiences of fellow athletes who have undergone similar 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," Spieth said.
As Spieth embarks on his road to recovery, he remains hopeful and anticipates returning to his former prowess on the golf course. With the persistent wrist dislocations now addressed, he eyes the 2025 season as the beginning of a new chapter in his illustrious career. "In due time, it should be better than it was before," Spieth concluded, embodying his unwavering optimism and passion for the sport.