August 31st 2024.
In recent news, Jordan Spieth underwent surgery on his left wrist in Vail, Colorado, just a week before the FedEx Cup playoffs were set to begin. The surgery, which took place on August 21st, aimed to rebuild the sheath that holds the tendon connecting the forearm to the wrist. Additionally, doctors also found and removed bone chips, cleaned up the triangular fibrocartilage complex, and smoothed a bone.
Spieth, a three-time major champion, expressed relief and confidence in his decision to undergo surgery, hoping it would solve the issues he had been facing for the past 15 months. However, he understands that the recovery process will take around three months and is currently wearing a cast from his palm to his bicep, presenting a new challenge for a left-handed individual.
Despite the surgery, Spieth managed to qualify for the PGA Tour postseason, although he did not advance to the second stage of the FedEx Cup playoffs. This was only the second time in his career that he missed the playoffs. Prior to his injury, the golfer had a successful start to 2023, with five top-six finishes. However, he first injured his wrist in May and had to withdraw from the AT&T Byron Nelson.
Initially, Spieth attempted to treat the injury with rehab and rest, but it developed into a more serious issue when his extensor carpi ulnaris tendon would pop out of the sheath. As a result, his performance on the course suffered, with a significant decrease in his driving and approach to the green. He explained this by saying, "Anything that impacted the ground was not a good scenario for me this year."
The surgery took longer than expected, but doctors discovered the cause of Spieth's pain and discomfort. The golfer revealed that he was not in pain while swinging, but certain mechanical movements, such as holding his forearm in a pronated state, were difficult. He also shared a moment during the British Open where the tendon popped out while he was on the green, causing him to struggle to finish the hole.
Additionally, Spieth believes that problems with his left hand had been brewing for some time. He had a bone spur and received cortisone shots in his wrist before the British Open, where he finished as runner-up. He also had trouble turning his left forearm without pain, which led to compensating and causing further issues.
Despite the setbacks, Spieth is determined to make a full recovery and return to the course as soon as possible. He hopes to start putting in eight weeks and make a full swing at 12 weeks while rebuilding his strength. However, it is too early to tell if he will be ready to compete in the Hero World Challenge in December or the PNC Championship with his father. The golfer joked that his patience may be tested during the recovery process, as he is not known for having much of it.
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