Golfers in the same group can have totally opposite results. This is a very common yet noticed feat, but not for Jordan Spieth. The golfer was away from the course for more than 6 months. For a comeback, he chose AT&T Pebble Beach. However, the result was way off then his expectations as he was placed in T69. Then, the American professional had a revival at the Phoenix Open with a T4 finish. Fans expected his Genesis run to send the graph soaring, but reality had other plans. The first round happened and his name wasn’t on the broadcasting list, fans were furious.
There wasn’t greater damage as Spieth failed to make a cut after the second round. Even though he has recovered from his injury, this time he has a different explanation. Shockingly, it’s the rising star of the PGA Tour, Ludvig Aberg. So, Spieth joined The Smylie Kaufman Show, sharing his experience of being grouped with Aberg.
Smylie Kaufman, the host, insinuated, “This past week you played with Ludvig Aberg the first two days, talk about that Thursday round and it’s always interesting too when you get paired with the eventual winner.” At that, Spieth said, “Yeah, I think he’s going to ask to be paired with me all the time.” Deja vu? Last time at the 2024 Masters, Åberg was runner-up while Spieth missed the cut. Now, Åberg wins the Genesis Invitational and Spieth in the same puddle.
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USA Today via Reuters
Jun 13, 2024; Pinehurst, North Carolina, USA; Jordan Spieth prepares to putt on the first green during the first round of the U.S. Open golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
He further stated, “As much as I do enjoy playing with him and I do because it’s fun to watch.” Despite the fun, Spieth made it clear that “I might try to stay away from that pairing for a little while. I don’t have the same results.”
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Indeed, when both the golfers were paired together, Aberg was the one who benefited. But, away from the two performances that Spieth had lately, there is greater hope for his performance as an insider shared about his journey of recovery.
Jordan Spieth’s recovery journey
After the last appearance at St. Jude Championship in 2024, Spieth took time and suggestions from the fellow to fully recover from the injury. Gabby Herzig, golf writer at The Athletic, shared the insights on his journey during the 5 Clubs podcast. She shared how the golfer has taken advice for the surgery and even asked fellow golfers, including Sahith Theegala and Billy Horschel, who have had similar injuries.
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She said, “There’s already been an extensive process from the moment he got that surgery until now.” Further, Herzig also shared how the process involved innovation in practicing to help Spieth feel better in contact. Down the road, he could not feel the contact with a golf ball, and instead used Nerf balls.
Even while concluding about the process, she hinted at having peaks and valleys in the performance. That can be seen with a missed cut, a T69, and a T4 finish. Herzig was confident about the redemption after a few matches. What do you think about this? Will he be able to redeem it? What if he is again paired with Aberg? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
