It is going to be strange to see a US team with Jordan Spieth missing, with the Texan being virtually an ever-present in the Presidents Cup and the Ryder Cup since his debut in the team competitions back in 2013.
Jordan Spieth‘s season has been over for a little while, with the three-time major champion undergoing surgery on his long-term wrist injury. Spieth is hoping to be back fit for the start of 2025 after an incredibly frustrating season, with his most recent top 20 finish coming back in April.
In truth, it was clear for some time that Spieth was only going to make the Presidents Cup if he was handed a captain’s pick from Jim Furyk ahead of Royal Montreal. The 2019 event in Australia is actually the only team event the 31-year-old has missed across the last 11 years.
Spieth’s decision to undergo surgery put paid to to any possibility of Furyk subsequently picking him. But it seems that the American captain had hoped to have him still involved in the team in one way or another as the US look to continue their superb record in the competition.
Jordan Spieth shares what Jim Furyk asked him ahead of the Presidents Cup
Speaking to Golfweek, Spieth confirmed that he has been in contact with Furyk ahead of the Presidents Cup, but is not expecting to be in Montreal as he focuses on his health for the foreseeable future.
“I missed the one in 2019 or ’20, the one in Australia. And I remember that being really tough. That was hard. I hated it. I was struggling in my game at the time, so I didn’t feel like I deserved to be there by any means and this one I obviously would have no business being there in my current state,” he said.
“So, it’s a little bit different but it still stings. It’s that hard to make those teams. You have to be that good year in and year out just to be considered one of the top 12 Americans. And I think Jim Furyk has an incredible team.
“I talked to him at length multiple times prior to this tournament. He asked different ways that maybe I can be involved. And it’s just at a very important part of my physical therapy so it’s just better for me to stay home and watch.”
Hopefully a turning point
It was hard for golf fans to watch Spieth struggle consistently with his game, as he simply did not know on each and every shot how his wrist would react. That must have been incredibly frustrating, particularly in the moments where Spieth would have felt that he needed to make something happen.
Hopefully this surgery proves to be the turning point as it is clear just how good he can be when he is at his best. Certainly, many would have been stunned in 2017 had they been told that Spieth would edge into 2025 still awaiting his fourth major title.
The US have a strong enough side to be fine without Spieth at this year’s Presidents Cup, should their big names step up and deliver. But clearly, it will be better for Keegan Bradley and all of their future captains if Spieth can get back to something like his best in the future.
Receive exclusive golf news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
