Jordan Spieth has indicated he will undergo wrist surgery at the end of the PGA Tour season as the three-time major champion vies to regain momentum in pursuit of the career grand slam.
The former world No. 1 has slumped to 39th in the Official World Golf Ranking after a deeply frustrating period. After bursting onto the scene and claiming his first major title at The Masters in 2015, he won the U.S. Open and Open Championship in 2017
That left only the PGA Championship as the final piece of the grand slam puzzle, but the 31-year-old's form has deserted him in recent years. He has won just twice on the PGA Tour since his Open win at Royal Birkdale, falling away from the elite class of players at the top of the game.
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His 2024 season has been marred by a tendon injury in his left wrist, which Spieth says has been particularly impactful on the strength of his game – his wedge play and short game. And he told reporters ahead of this week's Wyndham Championship that the time has come to finally address the issue.
“It's been a frustrating year because it's been maybe my best driving year ever, and then the clubs that I make the most impact into the ground with, which normally are my bread and butter, have been pretty off,” Spieth said. “It's not hurting, but subconsciously it's hard not to look at the numbers and think this isn't a coincidence.
“I've been taking trips out as well as being in contact with a lot of doctors, getting it scanned again and trying to figure out what the next move is. Probably going to have to do something about it this offseason.
“I'm going to pretend nothing's happening, fully trust it given that I'll be able to get it fixed, and I know there's a lot of golfers that have had similar situations and come back better than ever. I like to think hopefully I have 10 to 15 years of prime and some of my best golf left, so I'll be optimistic about the process.
“But I'm not quite sure exactly what I'll do and where I'll do it, but unfortunately something kind of has to get done. And I've never experienced anything like this before. Just trying to take my time making sure things are done right at the right time.”
Only Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods have won all four majors, with Spieth racing Rory McIlroy and Xander Schauffele to be the next man to join the club. McIlroy has just The Masters left to complete the collection, but he has not won a major for 10 years.
Schauffele, meanwhile, ended his long wait for major glory this season by scooping not only the PGA Championship but also the Claret Jug at Royal Troon in Scotland last month. Although the world No. 2 is only halfway to the grand slam, he is perhaps where the smart money lies after reaching new heights in 2024.
Were Spieth to have surgery after the end of the FedEx Cup Playoffs next month, he would likely be fit when the 2025 major season begins at Augusta National in April, but his recovery and rehab would doubtless affect his preparation. The PGA Championship will be held at Quail Hollow in May.
"I don't think I talk about it much with other people," Spieth said of the grand slam in 2022. "But it's certainly at this point, given having won the other three, it's an elephant in the room for me. It's a goal of mine.".
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