Jordan Spieth’s journey over the past few seasons has been far removed from the meteoric rise that once had him compared to Jack Nicklaus.
The three-time major champion has not lifted a trophy since his victory at the 2022 RBC Heritage, and expectations around him have cooled considerably.
Yet, as the 2026 PGA Tour season begins, there is a growing belief that Spieth is closer to another win than many might think.
While he remains winless in recent years, the signs pointing toward a potential resurgence are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
Gradual improvement after a difficult period
Jordan Spieth’s 2025 season did not produce a victory, but it marked a notable step forward from what had been a disastrous 2024 campaign.
Despite missing out on Keegan Bradley’s Ryder Cup team, the American showed measurable progress in consistency and competitiveness.
He recorded eight top-20 finishes during the season, a sharp rise from just three the year before. More importantly, he doubled his number of top-five finishes, moving from one in 2024 to two in 2025.
While those results did not place him back among the game’s elite, they did reflect a player who was once again capable of staying near the top of leaderboards.
That steady presence has restored a sense of belief that Spieth is no longer searching for form, but refining it.
A fully healthy wrist changes everything
One of the most overlooked factors in Jordan Spieth’s recent struggles has been his physical condition. Over the years, recurring issues with his wrist, neck and shoulders severely limited his ability to swing freely.
At one point, his wrist instability was so severe that it reportedly dislocated multiple times during a single tournament, forcing constant adjustments to his mechanics.
That changed following wrist surgery in 2024, which fully reconstructed the joint. Entering the 2026 season, Spieth is reporting zero pain for the first time in nearly a decade.
While he was technically healthy last season, athletes often require extended time to regain trust in their body after long-term injuries.
Now, with a full season behind him and no lingering discomfort, Spieth is finally able to return to his natural swing without hesitation—a critical factor for a player whose game relies heavily on feel and creativity.
Fine margins separating contention and victory
Despite improved health, Jordan Spieth’s performances have still been marked by small but costly errors. In several tournaments, a single loose shot or poor decision has been the difference between a top-20 finish and a genuine chance to win.
That reality cuts both ways. While mistakes have prevented victories, they also indicate that his struggles are not rooted in sustained poor play.
If Spieth can string together a few rounds of disciplined, mistake-free golf, he has already shown he can position himself in contention.
Increased opportunities throughout the season
Another reason optimism surrounds Spieth’s 2026 prospects is the number of opportunities he will continue to receive.
His sponsor exemption into Tiger Woods’ Hero World Challenge at the end of 2025 drew criticism, but it also highlighted his enduring status on the PGA Tour.
As a three-time major winner and one of the tour’s most recognizable figures, Jordan Spieth is likely to receive multiple sponsor exemptions throughout the year.
Those additional starts increase his chances of finding the right course, conditions and momentum needed to finally return to the winner’s circle.
With improved health, growing consistency and ample opportunities, it would be surprising if Spieth did not contend seriously for at least one PGA Tour title in 2026.