Jordan Spieth Out for 2024 Following Wrist Surgery
Jordan Spieth, one of golf's most popular figures, has confirmed that he expects to miss the entirety of the 2024 season following surgery on his left wrist. This news comes as a significant blow, not only to Spieth's career but also to his fans and the golfing community at large.
The wrist issue that has plagued Spieth for several years can be traced back to late 2017 or early 2018. Despite the persistent discomfort, the three-time major champion continued to compete, often playing through considerable pain. The severity of the situation escalated in May of last year when Spieth experienced a severe wrist dislocation caused by a poolside incident involving his son.
The incident forced Spieth to withdraw from the Byron Nelson tournament the following week. It was just one of many setbacks, as Spieth disclosed he had endured approximately 20 wrist dislocations since February 2024. This succession of injuries significantly hampered his iron play throughout the entire season.
"It was something that couldn't fix itself with rest, unfortunately. So that's why I ended up having to do this," Spieth explained. He admitted considering surgery back in July but decided to push through the season, hoping to manage the condition without undergoing an operation. Ultimately, rest alone proved insufficient, compelling Spieth to go under the knife.
Spieth's decision to opt for surgery was influenced by the consistent advice and experiences shared by various athletes who had 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,'" Spieth shared. "So I look forward to that day."
The impact of the wrist injury went beyond the physical pain, affecting Spieth's performance and mental state during competitions. "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," Spieth reflected. The ongoing struggle led to frustrating and inconsistent performances across the 2024 season.
The surgery, performed by a highly experienced surgeon, gave Spieth a renewed sense of optimism. "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. He remains hopeful and anticipates that in due time, his wrist will be in a better state than it was before.
Spieth plans to start hitting balls again in November 2024, but participating in any events in December seems unlikely. "Playing any events in December feels like a stretch," he admitted, emphasizing the necessity of taking the proper time to recover fully.
Looking ahead, Spieth is cautiously optimistic about his return to the sport in 2025. The road to recovery will not be easy, but his determination and the shared experiences of other athletes who have faced similar challenges offer a beacon of hope. Spieth remains committed to his rehabilitation process, eager for the day when he can resume his career free from the debilitating wrist problems that have plagued him for so long.