Is Jordan Spieth’s Ulnar Nerve Damage Curable? Painful Wrist Concern of the PGA Tour Pro Explored

An athlete with a recurrent, uncontrollable injury is like someone sitting on a timed bomb waiting to explode. A similar situation has engulfed Jordan Spieth for some years now. His forearm issues first started in 2018 when he endured a bone chip in his left hand, possibly while lifting weights.

The culprit behind his more than half-decade-long wrist issues is a condition called ulnar nerve damage. A nightmare for golfers, this issue surfaces after prolonged nerve stretching or when direct pressure is put on the nerve. Damage to the ulnar nerve can impair functioning and cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the forearm and the fourth and fifth fingers. Some symptoms of the condition include weakness or tenderness in the hand, tingling in the palm and fourth and fifth fingers, sensitivity to cold, and even tenderness in the elbow joint.

Two ways can assist the golfer in healing: surgical and nonsurgical. For the latter, occupational therapy to strengthen the ligaments and tendons in the hands and elbows and splints to help immobilize the elbow are suggested. Nonprescription pain relievers such as aspirin and ibuprofen can also help reduce pain and inflammation. For surgical methods, a doctor can operate either at the elbow or wrist to resolve the issue.

Describing his condition, Spieth once said, “It’s not really a rest or ice thing… It’s more, ‘Use it; don’t overuse it. Listen to it.’” Time and again, Spieth has been recommended a “rest and limited movement” approach by the doctors, which has become the reason for his WD from events like AT&T Byron Nelson in May 2023. 

Instead of complete rest, the former world no. 1 has opted to tape his wrist and continue looking at a resurgence over the weekend. This is not the first time that his condition has impeded his success stories. His ulnar nerve damage plagued him during last year’s PGA Championship and even during the Valero Texas Open earlier this month.

Despite being aware that surgery can fix most of his problems, Spieth has continually ruled against it. The golfer even faced some trouble at the ongoing RBC Heritage.

Jordan Spieth’s concerning decision heading into the weekend at the RBC Heritage

“I know what the issue is; the problem is, I’m not giving it any time to heal right now,” said an aware yet perseverant Jordan Spieth when asked about the recurrent episodes of his wrist issue. This has led some fans to remark on X, “Spieth would benefit from some time off and healing from his injury. We all want vintage Spieth back!”

The first round of the 2024 RBC Heritage saw the resurgence of this timed bomb and his underlying ulnar nerve problems. So much so that the 30-year-old said after R1, “On (hole) 14 yesterday, I thought I was done for the week.” However, even after facing complications in the first round, Spieth continues to eye the weekend. He remains tied for 23rd with a score of 5-under-par after round 2.

 It remains to be seen whether he will continue to choose the non-surgical round or opt for surgery in the days to come.