Jordan Spieth Opens Up About Wrist Injury Ahead of Hero World Challenge

Spieth's Wrist Injury Diagnosis

Just a week after the Ryder Cup, Jordan Spieth re-injured his wrist while reaching for a toaster to make breakfast for his son. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise as he was diagnosed with ulnar nerve damage, which can affect movement and sensation in the wrist and hand. This injury resembled a previous ailment he had in May that he initially treated as an acute wrist injury. He realizes now that he may have misdiagnosed it.

Despite not knowing the exact cause of his injuries, Spieth understands the importance of taking care of the ulnar nerve. He has been cautious in his preparations for the Hero World Challenge and feels ready to compete. He has been practicing at full capacity for weeks and knows when to rest and listen to his body.

Spieth acknowledges that the progress he has made in the last month and a half has given him confidence in his abilities going forward. He is determined to perform at his best and not let the wrist injury hold him back.

Spieth's Time off the Course

While recovering from his wrist injury, Spieth has had plenty to keep him occupied. He and his wife Annie welcomed their second child, daughter Sophie, in September. Additionally, he was chosen to replace Rory McIlroy on the PGA TOUR Policy Board and will serve the remainder of McIlroy's term through 2024.

Spieth believes that his appointment to the Policy Board is a pivotal moment for professional golf and the PGA TOUR. He wants to contribute and make a positive impact. Despite not winning on the TOUR this year, Spieth feels that his game has improved and is hopeful for better results in 2024. He finished No. 27 on the 2023 FedExCup with seven top 10 finishes.

With a healthy wrist and a renewed focus, Spieth is excited for the opportunities that lie ahead in his career. He is determined to reach his full potential and believes that he can achieve it by staying on top of his physical condition.

Spieth's History of Wrist Troubles

Spieth's recent wrist injury is not his first encounter with forearm troubles. In 2018, he suffered a bone chip in his left hand, likely from weightlifting. While he never used it as an excuse, he admitted that surgery could have been beneficial. Earlier this year, he experienced severe pain in his left wrist, leading to his withdrawal from the AT&T Byron Nelson. Doctors advised rest and limited movement, and he returned to action at the PGA Championship.

Spieth was taken aback when he reinjured his wrist, as there was no obvious cause for the recurrence. However, he sees it as the beginning of a new chapter where he can address the limitations he didn't realize he had before. He is excited about the progress he has made in matching the desired forearm and wrist positions and believes that staying on top of his physical condition will lead to his best performance.