Jordan Spieth was once hailed as the next great player in golf, drawing comparisons to legends like Tiger Woods. His trajectory was striking, especially after a sensational 2015 season, where he amassed five wins and two major championships, directly echoing Woods’ earlier greatness. Spieth, with a slew of accolades, including being the youngest US Open winner since 1923, seemed unstoppable as he sealed his reputation as one of golf’s brightest stars.
However, the following years proved challenging for Spieth, marked by an extraordinary decline. The dreaded “yips” seemed to plague his game, severely impacting his putting and overall performance. From the pinnacle of the sport, where he ascended to world number one by age 22, Spieth plummeted down the rankings. In 2018 and 2019, he failed to secure a single win, struggling with his game and facing criticism for his apparent loss of confidence.
Despite sporadic glimpses of brilliance, Spieth’s journey has largely been a fight against his own mental state, compounded by injuries. The highs of his early career contrast starkly with his current struggles, as he recently underwent wrist surgery and has not clinched a tournament title in over three years.
Yet hope remains for the 31-year-old as he prepares for the PGA Championship, where he seeks to complete the career grand slam by winning the only major missing from his trophy cabinet. Spieth’s recent form shows promise; a low round of 62 and multiple top-10 finishes suggest he may be on the verge of a comeback. The competitive spirit that once defined him appears rekindled, with a notable desire to contend alongside peers like Scottie Scheffler.
As he gears up for this pivotal tournament, Spieth’s return to form could redefine his career narrative, transforming his struggles into a compelling comeback story that resonates within golf’s rich history.