Former PGA Tour pro makes claim about Jordan Spieth’s poor form

The Truth Behind Jordan Spieth’s Struggles: An Inside Look

In the world of professional golf, few names command as much respect and intrigue as Jordan Spieth. The three-time major champion who once dazzled fans and fellow players alike with his meteoric rise is now facing a perplexing downturn. Former PGA Tour player Smylie Kaufman has recently shed light on Spieth’s ongoing struggles, offering a detailed analysis of what might be going wrong.

A Promising Start Fades

Jordan Spieth began the 2024 season with a strong performance, finishing third at The Sentry. However, since that promising start, his game has been erratic at best. Despite flashes of brilliance, Spieth has yet to secure a top-five finish and has missed five cuts, including a disappointing exit from the 2024 Masters. Adding to his woes, he faced disqualification from one event due to an incorrect scorecard.

As a result, Spieth’s ranking has taken a hit. He has fallen out of the top 30 in the Official World Golf Ranking and currently sits outside the top 50 in the FedEx Cup standings. This precarious position threatens his eligibility for next year’s signature events. It’s a stark contrast to the resurgent Spieth who ended a four-year winless drought with a victory at the 2022 RBC Heritage.

A Deep Dive into Spieth’s Game

Kaufman, speaking on GOLF’s Subpar, pointed out an interesting paradox: “If you go and look at the stats, you get confused because if you would have supplanted his driving ability this year, in any other year, he’s winning.” Traditionally known for his erratic driving, Spieth has turned this aspect of his game into a strength. Yet, other parts of his game seem to be suffering.

“His putting was good to start the year, but his putting lately has really tailed off,” Kaufman observed. “Now he’s got an iron and wedge game that’s just mediocre from his standards.” This decline in his short game is puzzling, given Spieth’s reputation for precision and control.

Kaufman suggests that Spieth might be overcompensating. “When you have so many things that are just slightly off, it seems like he pushes a little bit too much on some days to try to make something happen, instead of just letting the tournament come to him and letting his game come to him.”

The Impact of Swing Changes

A significant theory posited by Kaufman revolves around the impact of swing changes on Spieth’s overall performance. “Maybe there’s a correlation too, when you make swing changes, you start hitting it further, sometimes there’s a driver swing the guys have and sometimes there’s an iron swing the guys have,” Kaufman explained. “And I think he’s kind of caught a little bit in between.”

This transitional phase might be causing inconsistencies across Spieth’s game. By focusing heavily on improving his driving, other aspects, such as his iron play and putting, might have inadvertently suffered.

Off-Course Distractions

Another layer to Spieth’s current situation could be his involvement with the PGA Tour’s negotiations with LIV Golf’s backers. Recently, Spieth replaced Rory McIlroy on the policy board, a role that demands considerable time and attention. Hours spent in Zoom meetings and off-course deliberations might be detracting from his focus on the game.

Is Jordan Spieth’s attention divided? Are off-course responsibilities impacting his on-course performance? It’s a question that looms large as fans and analysts alike try to unravel the mystery of his inconsistent form.

A Hopeful Outlook

Despite the challenges, there remains a sense of optimism around Spieth’s future. Kaufman, like many, believes that Spieth’s talent and tenacity will eventually shine through. “I keep wanting to believe that one week it’s all just going to come together,” Kaufman said. “But when you have so many things that are just slightly off, it’s a matter of time before he finds his rhythm.”

In the world of golf, fortunes can change quickly. For Jordan Spieth, the path back to the top may be fraught with obstacles, but his journey remains one to watch. Whether it’s refining his swing, honing his short game, or balancing his commitments, the golfing world eagerly awaits the next chapter in Spieth’s storied career.