At Glance
‣ Jordan Spieth was close to withdrawing from the RBC Heritage due to a recurring wrist injury, which he aggravated while hitting a bunker shot.
‣ The wrist issue, involving the ECU (extensor carpi ulnaris) tendon, first emerged at last year’s PGA Championship, and despite ongoing management, it continues to affect Spieth’s play.
‣ Spieth underwent extensive physiotherapy between rounds and will wear tape on his wrist for the remainder of the tournament, although he claims the injury does not significantly impact his swing.
NEWS: Jordan Spieth told me he nearly withdrew during the first round of the RBC Heritage after a tendon in his wrist "popped out" while hitting a bunker shot on the 13th hole.
"I thought I was done for the week."
Here's the video of the shot. Full comments in the 🧵
— Paul Hodowanic (@PaulHodowanic)
Jordan Spieth, the golf sensation, found himself in a bit of a pickle at the RBC Heritage. He nearly had to back out after his wrist decided to act up again. You know, the one that’s been bugging him since that bunker shot? Yeah, that one. Spieth was all set on Hilton Head Island, aiming to shake off a rough patch. Lately, he’s been more familiar with missing cuts than making headlines, especially after a disappointing show at the Masters last week.
But then, Friday happened. Spieth lit up the leaderboard with a four-under-par 67 at Harbour Town. Post-round, he dropped a bombshell – his wrist was this close to benching him for the second round. This wrist saga isn’t new; it’s been a thorn in his side since last year’s PGA Championship. Despite his best efforts, a permanent solution seems as elusive as ever.
The drama unfolded at the Players last month, and déjà vu hit on Thursday. Spieth’s wrist went rogue after a bunker shot. “I jammed it on 13 yesterday into the bulkhead on my bunker shot and it popped out,” he confessed to the PGA Tour’s official website. At that moment, on the 14th, he thought his week was over. But then, as if by magic, the tendon slipped back into place. “Alright, I’m good,” he thought. But let’s be real, it’s a recurring nightmare for him.
Most times, when his wrist decides to go on a holiday, Spieth can’t even turn it left. Imagine that! But luck was on his side this time. The ECU tendon – yeah, that’s the troublemaker – popped out and then graciously decided to return to its groove. Between rounds, Spieth underwent some serious physio and decided to tape up his wrist for the remainder of the tournament. Despite the drama, he insists it doesn’t mess with his swing too much.
For those who eat, sleep, and breathe golf, Spieth’s saga is a must-follow. He even hinted at his ordeal on social media, sharing a video of the infamous shot. “Because my [wrist] sheath is torn, it doesn’t really hold [the tendon] in as well,” he explained. It’s all about managing the situation now, not letting it affect his speed or his game.
Spieth’s next challenge? Teaming up with Ryder Cup buddy Justin Thomas for the third round. They’re starting six shots behind the leaders – Tom Hoge, Sepp Straka, Collin Morikawa, and JT Poston. It’s going to be an uphill battle, but if anyone can turn a wrist debacle into a triumphant comeback, it’s Spieth. Stay tuned, folks. This is golf drama at its finest.