Jordan Spieth to Miss 2024 Season Due to Wrist Surgery
In a significant blow to the golf world, Jordan Spieth has announced his withdrawal from the rest of the 2024 season following surgery on his left wrist. The former world number one has been battling this persistent wrist issue for several years, dating back to late 2017 or early 2018. Despite the ongoing discomfort, Spieth continued to compete at the highest level, but the recurring pain has finally necessitated intervention.
In an interview, Spieth shared some of the struggles he has faced due to his wrist condition. "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 explained. The issue exacerbated earlier this year, with Spieth experiencing approximately 20 wrist dislocations since February 2024 alone.
The turning point came after a severe dislocation last May, resulting from a poolside incident with his son. This incident led to Spieth withdrawing from the Byron Nelson tournament the following week. His iron play, a critical aspect of his game, was significantly affected throughout the 2024 season, with the star golfer almost pulling out of the John Deere Classic due to another dislocation.
Recognizing that rest alone would not remedy his condition, Spieth opted for surgical intervention. "It was something that couldn't fix itself with rest, unfortunately. So that's why I ended up having to do this," Spieth said. Initially reluctant to take this step, he nearly chose surgery in July but decided to push through the remainder of the season instead.
The operation has brought a sense of hope and optimism for Spieth. He recounted a conversation with his surgeon, saying, "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." The anticipation of a full recovery is also bolstered by the experiences of other athletes 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 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.
While Spieth is expected to begin hitting balls again in November 2024, the possibility of him competing in any events before the year ends remains doubtful. "Playing any events in December feels like a stretch," Spieth acknowledged. The focus will instead be on ensuring a complete and careful recovery to return stronger in 2025.
Beyond the physical pain, Spieth also discussed the broader impact of his injury on his performance and mindset. "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.'" This candid revelation highlights the mental fortitude required to compete at an elite level despite debilitating physical challenges.
Spieth remains hopeful and positive about his recovery journey and is looking forward to resuming his career in 2025. "In due time, it should be better than it was before," he expressed with optimism.
The golf community will undoubtedly miss Spieth's presence on the course in the coming year, but there is collective hope for his recovery and return. As he embarks on this challenging journey, Spieth's focus remains steadfast on rehabilitation and regaining his form. The anticipation builds for his comeback, promising a renewed and rejuvenated Jordan Spieth in the seasons to follow.