Heading into the Cognizant Classic, there were a number of concerns following the decision from Jordan Spieth to tee it up at PGA National.
Jordan Spieth has been one of the big talking points on the PGA Tour in 2025. There was a lot of talk surrounding how he would fare upon his return following wrist surgery in 2024. And in truth, many should have known he would perform.
A fourth place finish at the WM Phoenix Open came in between a difficult week at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and a missed cut at the Genesis Invitational.
And while Spieth did delight fans at the at TPC Scottsdale with a miraculous par on Sunday, there were some worrying signs at Torrey Pines as conditions took their toll on Spieth’s healing wrist.
Jordan Spieth makes a big mistake following decision to not invite him to the Arnold Palmer Invitational
It was a surprise to see Spieth commit to play the Cognizant Classic. The 31-year-old had never played the event previously. And the danger on several holes meant that PGA National was not seen as a good fit for Spieth’s erratic game.
Ultimately, he finished inside the top 10. But instead of talking about his performance in Florida, many are instead focusing on the decision not to hand him an invite to the Arnold Palmer Invitational this week.
It is not difficult to understand why some feel Spieth should be involved at Bay Hill in the coming days. Spieth moves the needle like few other players when it comes to television ratings. He is box office entertainment and he appears to be gradually getting better.
In truth, it is baffling that he has not been invited given the impact that he would have had on the event. However, it can also be true that Spieth made a big mistake following the Cognizant Classic when asked about his omission.
Spieth seemed to mock the decision, claiming that he obviously needed to play better whilst injured last year. He missed out on qualifying for the signature events after a season in which his wrist problem clearly became too much.
Spieth has little right to complain as Arnold Palmer Invitational organisers make contentious decision
Fair enough, the injury has to be considered when assessing his 2024 season. However, Spieth will not have been the only player on tour who battled injuries throughout the year.
Spieth also cannot overlook the fact that he received invites to the previous two signature events – breaking 70 in just one of the six rounds he played. So the Arnold Palmer Invitational organisers were well within their right to look at offering opportunities elsewhere.
There is plenty of reason to question them for deciding against inviting Spieth. In truth, it appears to be a bit of an own goal as they look to attract as much interest as possible over the coming days.
But it would be no surprise if Spieth soon regretted making such a petty comment at a time when he had such strong support.
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