Jordan Spieth had quietly built a promising narrative through the first half of 2025. After a turbulent 2023 and most of 2024 that saw him battle a nagging wrist issue, the three-time major champion was back in form, posting a strong T7 finish at the Memorial and a solid T23 at the U.S. Open. It was the kind of steady rise fans had hoped for since his left wrist derailed his 2023 season. That injury came when Spieth nearly withdrew during the first round of the RBC Heritage, jamming his wrist into a bunker bulkhead on the 13th hole. The impact caused his ECU tendon to pop out. He managed the issue for most of 2024, but it was clear that his comeback in 2025 was a careful balancing act. And then came the 2025 Travelers Championship.
On Thursday, June 19, during the opening round at TPC River Highlands, Spieth was warming up as usual when something felt off. He described a sudden tightness near his shoulder blade and neck. Initially, he tried to play through the pain, but by the 13th hole, it was clear: this was more than a tweak. Spieth withdrew mid-round, marking the first WD of his PGA Tour career.
The timing couldn’t have been worse. Not only was he gaining momentum on the course, but he also has a baby due within weeks. Between recovery and family priorities, Spieth admitted he wouldn’t be rushing back. Still, questions linger. What exactly happened to Spieth’s shoulder? Is it serious? And will he be back in time for the Open Championship?
Spieth’s injury: Medical explanation and recovery timeline
All available information about Jordan Spieth’s injury comes directly from the golfer himself. Speaking to reporters after his withdrawal from the 2025 Travelers Championship, and later posting on social media, Spieth described what appeared to be an acute muscular issue centered around his right scapula. “During warmup, my right scap tightened and despite trying to push through, pain spread to my neck and upper back,” he tweeted. He added that the injury “appeared out of nowhere, perhaps from sleeping on it in a bad position.”
During warmup, my right scap tightened and despite trying to push through, pain spread to my neck and upper back. By 13 tee, I realized I had to stop. I’ve never had to WD before, and hate that it happened at @TravelersChamp – a tournament I love. Thanks everyone for the support!
— Jordan Spieth (@JordanSpieth) June 20, 2025
Medically, this type of symptom profile suggests a sudden strain or spasm of the muscles surrounding the scapula—a condition sometimes associated with scapular dyskinesis. These muscles (including the trapezius, rhomboids, and levator scapulae) can become strained from awkward postures, such as sleeping with the arm extended awkwardly. Once inflamed, they may affect nearby nerves and radiate pain through the upper back and neck, severely limiting range of motion.
Spieth acknowledged the seriousness of the pain: “I’ve never withdrawn from an event ever anywhere at any level… It just became too much.” Still, he remains optimistic. With a baby due in a few weeks, he’s using this time to recover, noting, “Hopefully after a few days I go through the right process to just get right back to where I was.” No structural damage or need for surgery has been reported, making rest and rehab the likely prescription. If all goes well, a return by mid-July remains realistic.
This kind of setback isn’t unheard of in the professional ranks. Several players have faced similar issues with varying recovery paths. Let’s look at some similar cases.
Other golfers who have faced similar injuries to Spieth’s
While shoulder injuries in golf are common, scapular-specific problems are less often reported. Most pros deal with rotator cuff tears or labral issues, which are more serious and require longer layoffs. Danny Willett, for example, had a torn labrum that kept him out for most of a season. But there are comparable cases. In 2024, Tom Kim reportedly damaged a locker room door after a playoff loss and later revealed shoulder inflammation that had been affecting his swing. His recovery took several weeks of rest and therapy.
What sets Spieth’s situation apart is the specificity and sudden onset. His case doesn’t seem chronic or structural. Assuming his pain is muscular, his return could be measured in weeks, not months. With a baby on the way, he may not tee it up until Royal Portrush. But Spieth sounds optimistic, the injury appears manageable, and if history is any guide, he’s one player who knows how to come back swinging.
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