Since the winter of 2017, the 3-time major champion, Jordan Spieth’s left arm has been an issue for some or the other reason. But it was in early May of 2023 when the left-handed golfer’s wrist spelled serious troubles for him after his five top-6 finishes. His extensor carpi ulnaris tendon, or ECU, would just pop out of its sheath, leaving the former World number one in a “Weird” pain. And things only kept getting worse.

In the third round of the British Open at Royal Troon, Spieth recalled how a gust of wind was enough to pop the tendon out while he held the putter in his hand. And although he tried to care for the same with rest, rehabilitation, and learning how to pop the tendon back into place, at one point in 2024, the approach “Didn’t seem sustainable.” Finally, he returned to Colorado to go under the knife on August 21, 2024, and get the issue fixed. And it did.

He had to wear a cast from the middle of his palm to the middle of his bicep but the positive outcome was there– No more pain. He recovered from his injury with a mindset of “It’s called patience, or lack of it with me,” only staying away from the greens a maximum of eight days. And now, it seems like the extended injury and rehabilitation has only made him stronger.

At the Valero Texas Open, Jordan Spieth shot an impressive 5-under 67 in Thursday’s opening round. His performance placed him in a tie for fourth, just four shots behind leader Sam Ryder. So when a reporter in the postgame presser asked him, “I know it’s a bummer when you’re not playing well going to the golf course or when you’re injured going to the golf course. How excited are you these days to go to the golf course and compete?,” his answer reflected his true emotions and mental transformation.

“Yeah, it’s been a little bit of a mixed bag, but I’ve had way more excited days than I have in the last couple years, really since May of ’23 when I first injured my wrist. So it’s been way more of those in the last six events than it was before. I mean, why wouldn’t you love what we do? When we have a standard and you’re not meeting it, it can be pretty frustrating. Normally you’ve got to find it in the dirt, sometimes you need some help to do that and I think I’m on the right track and feel good about it.”

His stats reflect this renewed enthusiasm, with six birdies against just one bogey in his opening round. He hit 9 of 14 fairways (64.29%) and 12 of 18 greens in regulation (66.67%). TPC San Antonio’s Oaks Course brings out Spieth’s best golf. His comfort on Texas soil is evident in his ball-striking. When he missed greens in Thursday’s round, his short game rescued him with an 83.33% scrambling rate. He also converted 100% of his sand saves, showing remarkable touch around the greens.

His performance with the putter proved especially impressive as Spieth gained 3.224 strokes on the greens, ranking second in the field with 124 feet of putts made. This putting prowess recalls his dominant years from 2015 to 2017, when he won all of his three major championships. But before this, him not meeting his lofty standards had tangible consequences.

Spieth’s driving accuracy and approach play suffered significantly post-injury. Since May 2023, Spieth dropped from inside the top 20 in world rankings to as low as 84th earlier this year. His recent results show gradual improvement. The evidence supports his claim.

In the six events, he secured two top-10 finishes – T4 at the WM Phoenix Open and T9 at the Cognizant Classic. Before surgery, Spieth missed seven cuts in 2024 alone. He even faced disqualification at Genesis for signing an incorrect scorecard.

But Spieth’s improved outlook translates directly into his on-course performance. The Valero Texas Open holds special significance for Spieth. He captured this tournament in 2021, ending a frustrating 83-start victory drought. That win came at a pivotal moment in his career. It restored belief just before he headed to Augusta National. “It’s been a journey,” he reflected immediately after that victory.

With the Masters just one week away, this renewed excitement couldn’t come at a better time. Spieth maintains the lowest scoring average (70.95) among active players at Augusta National. However, while he is at a resurgence, his contemporary Rickie Fowler continues to disappoint his fans.

No redemption for Rickie Fowler?

Once, the bright orange overall-wearing Californian was touted as the next big thing in golf. However, with his 2-year dry spell, the weight of expectations is only increasing for him. At the Cognizant Classic, Fowler’s standing at three shot behind the leader looked like he had everything under control. But missing a birdie on 16 became a turning point for worse for the golfer. Closing the day with a 68, he stood at T18, having lost Masters points that he could’ve very well used.

Missed Arnold Palmer and T71 at the PLAYERS Championship didn’t help him either as he lost the chance to get into the Masters through his OWGR ranking. Fowler’s opening 3-over 75 in Texas has effectively ended his Masters qualification hopes as he stands at a tie for 120th spot. Although he can still work through the uphill battle on Friday.

The 36-hole cut is set to include only the top-65. It’s a do or die situation for the once-elite player, now ranked 110th globally as he stands in stark contrast to Spieth’s resurgence. Jordan’s form at Valero suggests he might just recapture the magic that made him the second-youngest Masters champion in history, behind only Tiger Woods. But as for Fowler, seems like this one will slip away as well.