ROCHESTER (N.Y.) – A spectator shouted to Jordan Spieth, “How are your feelings, Jordan?” from behind the rope that lined the right side 13 the fairway on Oak Hill, as Jordan Spieth sauntered towards his ball.
Spieth imitated the deep baritone James Brown to say “I feel great”.
Does Spieth really feel good? As soul singer Brown might say, does he have a left wrist problem that caused him to withdraw from the AT&T Byron Nelson event in his hometown last week, citing a wrist injury? We don’t really know, because when asked by a reporter to talk to him about the injury, Spieth declined, saying, “But thank you for your concern.”
Spieth, who is ranked No. Spieth, ranked No. This is his seventh major title attempt since winning the British Open in 2017. Spieth, who had a four-year slump that ended with his winning the Valero Open in 2021 in 2021 has shown impressive progress in returning to being a reliable representative for Team U.S.A. at international competitions and a threat to win more major titles. The 29-year old Texan had five top-10 finishes in this season including a T-4 finish at the Masters. He was a lip out away from defending his RBC Heritage title in April, as well as recording his 14 th Tour title.
Last Monday, Spieth announced on social media he would be pulling out of the AT&T Byron Nelson, citing as having “severe wrist pain” that required “restraint and limited movement.”
He wore black kinesiology taping on his arm back, from his elbow to the white tape. He played nine-holes with caddie Michael Greller who had flown in on Monday and Cameron McCormick. Spieth did not wince, shake his arm or show signs of pain when he hit any shots. Spieth hit an oak hill thick-stuff iron when he drove in the rough on the left.
He made numerous putts, pitch shots and bunker shots to a plastic tee that was placed at various locations on the green. This week’s actual hole location could be there. He hit a drive on the 14th and spent most of his pitching time to the elevated green. He drilled an 8-iron into the hole at the par-3 15 and his birdie ringed the cup. Spieth only played nine holes. To be certain of his status, we’ll have to wait until Thursday when he takes off with Viktor Hovland & Shane Lowry to try to complete the career Grand Slam.
Jordan Spieth stands on a green in Rochester, New York, during a practice session prior to the PGA Championship 2023 at Oak Hill Country Club. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images).
What will Spieth’s wrist injury affect him? Andy North, ESPN analyst and two time major champion, said that playing in long, wet rough could pose a challenge for Spieth.
North told a press conference ahead of the 105 thPGA Championship, “If you chop it out enough and put it in rough enough conditions, it will definitely affect it.” “Is this a problem? Obviously. It’s a big deal for him to miss (AT&T Byron Nelson). If it’s just a case of, hey, I need three or four day off, give this thing some rest, he will be fine. I hope it’s true and that he will be able come in and play well.”
Jordan Spieth takes a shot from the rough on the 13th at Oak Hill, during a 2023 practice round ahead of the 105th PGA Championship. (Adam Schupak/Golfweek)
Curtis Strange, ESPN analyst and World Golf Hall of Fame Member, said that Spieth’s decision to skip an event so important to him, as an AT&T Ambassador and amateur who got his start on the Dallas Tour at 16 years old, “speaks volumes about something being wrong.” Strange added that Spieth is doing what he needs to do. I’ve never suffered a wrist injury. “I can’t even imagine playing golf with a wrist problem.”
