Jordan Spieth’s game has been on a steady decline for over three years now. Spieth hasn’t lifted a trophy since April 2022, and it’s clear he hasn’t looked the same player since then.
Jordan Spieth’s game has been on a steady decline for over three years now.
Spieth hasn’t lifted a trophy since April 2022, and it’s clear he hasn’t looked the same player since then.
His real breakthrough came in 2015, when he won both The Masters and the US Open. Two years later, he added The Open Championship to his list of honours.
But there have only been two more PGA Tour wins since then, and neither of them has sparked a return to the kind of form that defined his early career.
Spieth’s issues with putting have certainly played a part in his long dip in form, but that’s not the only thing holding him back. Smylie Kaufman has recently pointed out another area that might be contributing to Spieth’s ongoing struggles.
Why Jordan Spieth’s no longer a top-five player in the world
Kaufman has his own view on what’s behind Spieth’s extended struggles.
Kaufman was asked about what needs to change for Spieth to get back to being one of the world’s top five players.
“I think just freedom,” Kaufman replied.
“I think freedom is the one that comes in my brain. For Jordan, when he’s able to play free, you start to see his entire game open up.”
“He hits the shots that you didn’t think anybody could hit, and it’s with the creativity and a free mind.”
Kaufman feels now is the time for him to put those changes behind him and focus on playing with more freedom.
Spieth hasn’t played since missing the cut at The Open Championship at Royal Troon. It remains unclear if he’ll return before the FedEx Cup Playoffs begin next month.
What Jordan Spieth needs to fix in his game
Kaufman went further into detail on what he thinks Spieth needs to address moving forward.
He said Spieth might be overthinking things, particularly with his approach play.
“I guess the iron game, too, would be the other part. You’ll start to see him shaping more shots and playing with a clear mind there.
“I think when he’s having to think about how to hit a high cut to a back right pin, and how to do it, you’re probably not going see quite the results that you’d want to see.
“So the more that he can just play with that one swing thought, that would probably be the best version of Jordan that will potentially get him back to be a top five player in the world.”
Kaufman’s point is clear – Spieth performs best when he isn’t caught up in technical details and can play instinctively.
If Spieth can return to trusting his feel and creativity on the course, there’s every chance he could find his way back towards the top of golf again.
Category: General Sports
