Jordan Spieth and Scottie Scheffler have been buddies since they were young. Last year in May, Spieth said he’s “inspired by what he (Scheffler) is doing. It makes me want to go out and get better … And that’s always been someone that’s older than me. Kind of the first time I felt that way about somebody that’s younger.” Then, at the end of the year, Spieth’s inspiration suffered a nasty palm injury while preparing Christmas dinner, and it’s been a tough road to recovery.
Although, it can be said that it was rough for the Tour as well. We saw a significant drop in viewership (34%) in the first event. But now, fans’ favorite, Scottie Scheffler, will be back on the greens after missing three PGA Tour events. And guess who’s joining him? Yep, his childhood buddy Jordan Spieth! Spieth had been hinting at his return since last year, but it wasn’t until the PGA Tour released the tentative field list for the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am that it became official.
Reigning FedExCup Champion and World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler will make his season debut next week at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
The field will be finalized following the Farmers Insurance Open with opportunities to qualify through the Aon Swing 5 and top 30 in the Official… pic.twitter.com/YN26OQEpvJ
— PGA TOUR Communications (@PGATOURComms) January 24, 2025
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Just like Scottie Scheffler, Spieth also missed the Hawaiian and San Diego events. Those events had a combined purse of $38.5 million! Even though after his wrist injury in 2017 Jordan Spieth has won only two titles, his 11 titles in the first 6 years of his PGA Tour career speak for him. The golfer has been pain-free for some time now. Recently, an insider too revealed how he believes in the 31-year-old’s return.
Considered to be one of the top golfers, Spieth might be coming back in his best form, just like his initial 6 years. But let’s not forget he’ll be competing against the 2024 FedEx Cup winner, who snagged 7 titles last year. Who has a better chance of winning?
Will Jordan Spieth finally take down the world No. 1?
It’s worth noting that Scheffler is returning from a fairly recent surgery, whereas Spieth has had more time to heal. Scheffler sure has started working out, his performance coach shared a glimpse of it, and Spieth has declared himself fully recovered.
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If we talk about insiders, they are weighing in on Spieth’s chances, but with some sprinkles of concerns. They noted that Spieth is a “generational player,” but history isn’t on his side when it’s about making a successful comeback. The Texas Pro hasn’t been in top form for years. Currently, he sits at 72nd OWGR.
On the other hand, Jim Nantz is sure about Scheffler’s prospects, saying that the 2025 season and beyond are going to be a “long, glorious run” for him. Nantz believes Scheffler is motivated by a desire to leave a lasting legacy. “I really believe it. He’s got the game. He’s got the focus, and he’s motivated by legacy.”
Additionally, both Scheffler and Spieth have been compared to golf’s all-time greats. Scheffler’s impressive performance last year drew comparisons to one of Tiger Woods‘s best seasons, while Spieth was once touted as the next GOAT. He also matched records set by Jack Nicklaus, becoming the second golfer in history to win three majors before his 24th birthday.
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So, who will win? It’s anyone’s guess, but anticipation is building, and fans can’t wait for January 30th to arrive. Who do you think will win? Let us know in the debate section below!
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Can Spieth reclaim his former glory, or will Scheffler continue his reign as the top golfer?
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Can Spieth reclaim his former glory, or will Scheffler continue his reign as the top golfer?
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