Jordan Spieth to Miss the Remainder of 2024 Season Due to Wrist Surgery
In a significant setback for golf fans and followers of Jordan Spieth, the former world No.1 announced that he will be sidelined for the rest of 2024. The decision comes after undergoing surgery on his persistent left wrist issue, a problem that has plagued him for several years.
The wrist struggles date back to late 2017 or early 2018, a period when Spieth first noticed discomfort. Despite the ongoing pain, he continued to compete. However, the point of no return seems to have been a severe wrist dislocation in May of last year, following a poolside incident with his son. This injury forced him to withdraw from the forthcoming Byron Nelson tournament, and it marked the beginning of a more challenging phase.
Since February 2024, Spieth has dealt with approximately 20 wrist dislocations, which significantly impaired his game, particularly his iron play during the 2024 season. One such incident nearly caused him to withdraw from the John Deere Classic, highlighting the severity of his condition.
Speaking candidly about his experiences, Spieth shared, "It was something that couldn't fix itself with rest, unfortunately. So that's why I ended up having to do this.” Reflecting on the continuous pain and its impact on his technique, he explained, "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."
Although he considered undergoing surgery in July, Spieth decided to persevere through the remainder of the season. Ultimately, the ongoing issues forced his hand. "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.'"
Emerging from surgery, Spieth appears optimistic about his recovery process. He anticipates beginning to hit balls again by November 2024, although participating in events in December remains highly unlikely. His focus is clearly on ensuring a full recovery before resuming competitive play.
During this challenging period, Spieth sought advice from various athletes who had undergone similar surgeries. "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 said.
Moreover, he feels encouraged by the expertise of the medical professional handling his case. "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 admitted. His confidence in the procedure is seen as a positive indicator, both for his physical recovery and his mental resilience moving forward.
Recognizing the significant toll the injury has taken beyond just physical pain, Spieth remains hopeful and focused on the road to recovery. "In due time, it should be better than it was before," he stated, remaining positive about the outcome of his surgery.
As Spieth charts the course for his return, fans and the golfing community at large will undoubtedly be keeping a close watch on his progress. His resilience and determination serve as a testament to his dedication to the sport. Everyone is eager to see the day when Jordan Spieth once again graces the golf course, hopefully stronger and more formidable than ever before.