Jordan Spieth's 2024 season has been marred by persistent struggles with a nagging left wrist injury that has now culminated in surgery. What was once a mere inconvenience has spiraled into a debilitating issue that disrupted the superstar's performance on the PGA Tour, leading him to make the difficult decision to undergo a surgical procedure that will keep him sidelined for the remainder of the year.
Ongoing Issues Since 2017
Spieth revealed that his wrist problems date back to late 2017 or early 2018. Despite the persistent discomfort, he played on, showcasing his resolve and dedication to the sport. "I didn't get it fixed maybe then, and I kind of got into some bad habits," Spieth admitted. "And then as I started to swing it better a few years ago, it started to kind of act up again."
The situation grew worse following a severe wrist dislocation in May 2023, which occurred during what should have been a joyous occasion—a poolside moment with his son. The incident led Spieth to withdraw from the Byron Nelson tournament the following week. Unfortunately, that was just the beginning of a series of dislocations that would plague him throughout the 2024 season.
Since February 2024, Spieth experienced roughly 20 dislocations, seriously impacting his iron play and overall performance. His determination saw him compete in multiple events, including the John Deere Classic, where he nearly had to withdraw due to another dislocation. "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," Spieth reflected. "And then I'd get into competition, and then I'd just bail. It was very strange."
Decision to Undergo Surgery
Given the recurring nature of the dislocations, rest alone proved insufficient to address the issue. "It was something that couldn't fix itself with rest, unfortunately. So that's why I ended up having to do this," Spieth shared. He had contemplated surgery as early as July but chose to push through the season. Understandably, his playing conditions deteriorated, leading him to make the eventual decision for surgical intervention.
With the surgery now complete, Spieth has a sense of optimism about his recovery process. "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 said, showing confidence in his medical team. Spieth expects to start hitting balls again around November 2024, but competing in events before the end of the year remains doubtful. "Playing any events in December feels like a stretch," he noted.
A Long Road Ahead
The emotional toll of the injury and subsequent surgery goes beyond mere physical pain. "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 recalled, emphasizing the mental strain this condition placed on him.
Spieth's journey through recovery will be guided by advice from athletes across different sports who have undergone similar surgeries. "I talked to a lot of different players who've had similar operations and a lot of guys across different sports," he said. They provided him with encouraging words: "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.'" For Spieth, that day cannot come soon enough.
Despite the challenges ahead, Spieth remains hopeful about his return to form in 2025. "In due time, it should be better than it was before," he expressed with a renewed sense of determination. As he navigates this difficult period, the golfing world awaits his return, looking forward to seeing him back on the greens, where he belongs.