Jordan Spieth: Rediscovering His Putting 'Weapon' Before the Masters

A Comeback Ahead for Spieth?

After a challenging period in his career, Jordan Spieth recently announced that he believes he's found the missing element to his game — his putting. With the Masters looming on the horizon, fans and analysts alike are keen to know whether Spieth can recapture his past form.

The Magic of the Flat Stick

Back in his prime, there was a magical quality to Spieth's putting game. Each putt seemed almost automatic; whether it was a 50-footer at the 2015 Valspar or a clutch eagle at the 2017 Open Championship, Spieth demonstrated extraordinary skill. Notably, he consistently gained at least two strokes on the field with his putting in 2015, 2016, and 2017. However, the years following saw a drastic decline in those metrics:

• 2018-19 Season: 2nd in putting
• 2020-2021 Season: 105th
• 2021-2022 Season: 155th
• 2022-2023 Season: 101st
• 2023 Season: 65th

The struggle has been palpable, exacerbated by injuries and inconsistent technique. Though Spieth's earlier struggles with wrist issues impacted his swings, he's eager to shed his “bad tendencies” that led to poor performances on the green.

Gaining Momentum

During a recent two-week swing at Pebble Beach and Riviera, Spieth noted a resurgence, gaining 5.8 strokes on the greens at Pebble and 6.1 at Riviera, showcasing an improved ability to make critical short putts. “Looking at the hole has become a weapon that I've got back,” Spieth remarked after his final round. His ability to perform well inside of 10 feet has been notably improved, which is critical for maintaining momentum during rounds.

The Road Ahead

Although Spieth is confident, he knows there remains significant work to be done before he can consider himself fully matched up with the rest of his game. Following a period of adjustment during his four starts this year, he recognizes the need to tighten up his drives and iron play:

“I want to get it a little bit tighter off the tee,” Spieth explained, aware of his recent performance which saw him lose 2.4 shots off the tee at Riviera.

He is not just focusing on putting; he intends to invest time in capitalizing on his rebound as he heads back to Dallas for a week off. “It's about building confidence, and I feel like I've got some momentum,” he stated. The weeks ahead, particularly with the Masters nearing, will be crucial. “I like the stretch coming up,” he added with an optimistic outlook.

What's Next for Spieth?

The upcoming Florida Swing and the Masters present a unique opportunity for Spieth to not only showcase his putting resurgence but also to regain his status as one of the top golfers in the field. He has re-engaged with his coach, Cameron McCormick, to refine his setup and approach. With the Masters just weeks away, every round will be a step towards potentially rediscovering the Jordan Spieth everyone remembers.

Conclusion: A Bright Horizon

Jordan Spieth's journey back to prominence seems to have reignited with a rediscovered sense of excitement. Knowing that a reliable flat stick can be a game-changer, he will be working tirelessly to merge his enhanced putting skills with all aspects of his game. The golfing world will be watching closely as he seeks to fully harness the talent that made him a champion.

As fans, we hold our breaths, eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this storied career. Only time will tell if Spieth can achieve his former glory.