Jordan Spieth arrived at Quail Hollow for the PGA Championship not under immense pressure but certainly aware of the expectations surrounding his quest to achieve the career Grand Slam. Despite already having three major titles to his name, the Wanamaker Trophy eluded him back then. His 2017 attempt ended with a tie for 28th place.
Reflecting on that championship, Spieth noted that there was no logical reason why he didn’t have a better opportunity to win. Leading into the event, he had recently claimed victory at the British Open with an extraordinary run of birdies and an eagle at Royal Birkdale, claiming his third major title at the time. He had stated, optimistically, that if another decade passed without securing the elusive Grand Slam, subsequent pressure might mount.
As the PGA Championship returns to Quail Hollow from May 15-18, Spieth finds himself yet again facing these expectations. Rory McIlroy had successfully sealed his own Grand Slam aspirations with a triumphant win at the Masters, drawing attention back to Spieth’s equally elusive pursuit. However, their situations starkly differ. McIlroy entered the Masters having achieved wins at Pebble Beach and The Players Championship, whereas Spieth has not claimed victory in more than three years.
Though many believe Spieth is capable, as demonstrated by a sizzling 62 in the final round at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, his journey has been complicated by a recovery period following surgery on his left wrist. This surgery was delayed from a long-standing injury he suspected began in late 2017 or early 2018. As Spieth contemplates how different his career trajectory might have been had he sought surgery sooner, he recalled struggles with his grip and developed poor habits to compensate for the pain.
Constant pain plagued Spieth during pivotal tournaments, including the lead-up to the 2023 PGA Championship. Realizing surgery was essential, the decision marked a turning point, albeit tinged with “what ifs” of potentially lost time. Imagining a different past, he concedes, can be counterproductive and unhealthy. Moving forward, he’s granted himself patience and is focusing on gratitude, documented in a journal as he returns post-surgery.
A decade ago, Spieth captured the Masters and U.S. Open and nearly seized the British Open but fell short by a stroke. His close proximity to a Grand Slam victory was only mirrored by Jack Nicklaus in 1975. Commentators like Curtis Strange point out that although Spieth clinched early victories rapidly, maintaining that momentum was challenged by injuries and declining statistics in ball striking. His refined short game remains a crucial asset.
Today, Spieth stands at a crossroads. In 2015 at just 22, he won the FedEx Cup and experienced a banner season. Now, as he balances married life with children, another one on the way, he contemplates how to mobilize his talent and refine his game for future success. While recognizing his previous achievements were exceptional, Spieth is intent on leveraging those experiences to fuel future performances.
His previous best finish in this championship was a tie for fourth at the 2019 PGA held at Bethpage Black, where he contended despite uncertainty in his ball striking. McIlroy empathizes, understanding the shared burdens of historical significance when pursuing a Grand Slam. This resonates with Spieth as he faces annual opportunities at varied PGA courses, distinct from McIlroy’s repeat efforts at the Masters.
Despite these challenges, the goal remains: to become part of golf’s illustrious history and join the ranks of those who have completed the Grand Slam. As Spieth and his supporters prepare for another chance, they hold onto hope that this could be the tournament that etches his name into the annals of golfing greatness.