Three-time major winner Jordan Spieth is the 22nd highest-rated U.S. player in the World Golf Rankings, where he sits at No. 51.
The 31-year-old’s ranking has fallen like a rock since the beginning of the year, from 15th to his current position.
The last time Spieth was outside the top 50 was the week before the 2021 Valero Texas Open, when he went from 53rd to 38th after winning in San Antonio.
After Thursday’s first round in 2021, Spieth talked about his patience level after a 5-under 67.
“Luckily, I’ve been in these scenarios where I probably would have been much more impatient. I’m fine at letting things come to me, but to some extent you get pretty frustrated,” Spieth said. “I think I’m being patient, and I’m optimistic.”
The win, his 12th on the PGA Tour, got Spieth back on track.
Spieth last played at the FedEx St. Jude Championship before having surgery in August for ulnar nerve damage to his left wrist, a lingering injury.
The surgery has forced Spieth to the sideline, and while he believes he will be ready for a return to Hawaii in January, nothing has come out of the Spieth camp since the tweet about the surgery.
When Spieth does return, what can we expect?
Historically, Spieth has done most of his winning in the first six months of the year, with nine of his 13 victories coming between January and June, including three career wins in April.
So, once Spieth returns, expectations should be that he will be playing in his sweet spot regarding the calendar.
But how long will it take to get his game back from being on the bench for months and after rehab?
That’s a much more difficult question.
After surgery, 12 weeks is the shortest downtime before someone can return to golf.
Of course, everyone is different; more time could be required, making Spieth’s timetable unclear.
Likely, Spieth will have at least a month to prepare, which, if the rehab goes well, could be enough, but whether he will be sharp enough to compete is also unclear.
However, Spieth in his career has always talked about being patient and letting the game come to him instead of chasing it, so not only will Spieth have to be physically fit, but mentally ready, which includes tamping down expectations and staying even-keeled and patient.
Team USA golfer Jordan Spieth putts on No. 11 during a practice day for the Ryder Cup golf competition at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in 2023.
