Jordan Spieth to Miss Remainder of 2024 Season Due to Wrist Surgery
Jordan Spieth, one of the most recognizable names in golf, has announced that he will be sidelined for the rest of 2024 as he undergoes surgery on his left wrist. Spieth has long contended with wrist problems, an issue that dates back to late 2017 or early 2018. Despite persistent discomfort, the golfer continued to compete, never letting on just how much the pain was affecting his performance.
However, the situation reached a tipping point in May of the previous year when Spieth severely dislocated his wrist in a poolside incident involving his son. This shocking injury forced him to withdraw from the Byron Nelson tournament the very next week. "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 revealed.
Since February 2024, Spieth has experienced approximately 20 wrist dislocations, each one undoubtedly impacting his performance on the course. His iron play has been severely disrupted throughout the season, and he came close to withdrawing from the John Deere Classic due to another dislocation. The physical strain was only part of the issue; Spieth acknowledged that the injury's impact went beyond physical pain, affecting his overall confidence and mental game.
Spieth explained his decision to opt for surgery now by emphasizing that resting alone would not solve the problem. "It was something that couldn't fix itself with rest, unfortunately. So that's why I ended up having to do this," he stated. He almost chose to undergo surgery in July but decided to push through the season in hopes of a natural recovery, a decision he now knows might have prolonged his agony.
Impact on Spieth's Career
The severity of the injury and the subsequent surgery means that Spieth won't be hitting balls again until November 2024. Consequently, participating in any events in December seems highly unlikely. "Playing any events in December feels like a stretch," Spieth admitted, marking a significant hiatus for the golfer who has been a consistent presence on the tour.
The decision to finally undergo surgery came after consulting numerous athletes who have had similar operations. Their shared experiences offered a beacon of hope for the golf star. "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.
For a professional athlete, the outlook from specialists can often make or break their spirit. Spieth’s optimism was bolstered by his surgeon's confidence in the procedure. "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. The reassurance he received from medical experts has given him a newfound confidence in his recovery process.
Looking Forward to Recovery
Spieth's journey through persistent discomfort and his decision to continue competing despite the pain showcases his resilience and dedication to the sport. "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,'" Spieth remarked.
With the surgery behind him, Spieth remains hopeful about his recovery and is looking forward to resuming his career in 2025. "In due time, it should be better than it was before," he expressed optimistically.
As the golfing world waits for the return of one of its brightest stars, fans and peers alike will no doubt be rooting for Spieth’s swift and full recovery. His journey underscores the sheer determination and fortitude required to stay at the top of professional sports, even in the face of daunting physical setbacks.