Jordan Spieth to Miss Remainder of 2024 Season Due to Wrist Surgery
Jordan Spieth, one of golf's premier talents, has announced that he expects to sit out the remainder of the 2024 season following surgery on his left wrist. This devastating setback comes after years of battling persistent wrist issues that have affected his performance and competitive edge.
Spieth's wrist problems trace back to late 2017 or early 2018, and despite the discomfort, he continued to compete at the highest level. The condition worsened significantly last year after a severe dislocation caused by a poolside incident involving his son in May. The aftermath led to Spieth withdrawing from the Byron Nelson tournament the following week.
The extent of his struggles became apparent as his wrist dislocated approximately 20 times since February 2024. This series of injuries culminated in a decision that rest alone would not suffice to remedy 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 explained.
Throughout the 2024 season, the impact on Spieth's iron play was notably detrimental. He came close to withdrawing from the John Deere Classic due to another wrist dislocation. The recurring injuries and the inability to perform to his standards under such conditions ultimately led him to opt for surgery, despite considering it as early as July. "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 reflected.
Spieth's decision to undergo surgery wasn't taken lightly and was heavily influenced by discussions with various 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 shared.
The surgery is a glimmer of hope for Spieth, not just for physical recovery but also for mental relief. "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 recounted, highlighting the critical moment that pushed him towards the decision.
As Spieth embarks on his recovery journey, his expectations are cautiously optimistic. "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 expressed, putting trust in his medical team. He anticipates starting to hit balls again by November 2024, but playing any competitive events in December 2024 feels unlikely. "Playing any events in December feels like a stretch," he acknowledged.
Spieth's focus now is on rehabilitation and returning stronger in 2025. Despite the physical and emotional toll, Spieth remains hopeful. "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.'"
In due time, Spieth believes the surgery will be a turning point. "In due time, it should be better than it was before," he said, looking forward to the day when his wrist troubles will be a distant memory. For now, the golfing world awaits the return of Jordan Spieth, hopeful for his full recovery and the resurgence of his once-dominant form.