Gary Player Warned About Jordan Spieth's Struggles Years Ago

The golf legend's prediction about Spieth's swing changes has proven accurate.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 4:35pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting Jordan Spieth's golf swing broken down into overlapping planes of muted earth tones, conceptually illustrating the technical issues that have hindered his performance.Cubist deconstruction of Jordan Spieth's troubled golf swing reveals the technical flaws that have contributed to his recent struggles.Dallas Today

Jordan Spieth has struggled to regain his past success on the PGA Tour, going winless since 2022. Golf legend Gary Player warned about the issues with Spieth's swing changes over a year ago, and his predictions have now been proven correct.

Why it matters

Spieth was once considered one of the best young golfers in the world, winning multiple majors. His recent decline has been puzzling to fans, and Player's insights shed light on the technical flaws that have contributed to Spieth's struggles.

The details

Spieth's putting and long game have both deteriorated in recent years, with his swing changes being a key factor. Player criticized the instruction Spieth has received, saying it has led to a closed clubface position at the top of his swing that has severely limited his success.

  • In 2025, Gary Player warned about the issues with Spieth's swing changes.
  • Spieth has been without a PGA Tour win since the RBC Heritage in April 2022.

The players

Jordan Spieth

A 32-year-old professional golfer from Dallas, Texas who was once considered one of the best young players in the world, winning multiple major championships, but has struggled with his game in recent years.

Gary Player

A legendary South African professional golfer who won 9 major championships over the course of his career and is known for his outspoken views on the golf swing and instruction.

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What they’re saying

“There is a tremendous lack of knowledge with golf. I would say in America today the golf pros that are teaching know less about golf. They have all the equipment and the technology but they are teaching golfers to do this at the top.”

— Gary Player, Golf Legend

“If you had a man like Ben Hogan teaching Jordan Spieth he would be the best in the world. He's such a competitor, such a wonderful man. A wonderful guy for golf, the best short game, best course management but he just can't hit the ball. That is a tragedy.”

— Gary Player, Golf Legend

What’s next

Spieth will need to make significant changes to his swing if he hopes to regain the form that made him one of the top players in the world. Working with a new instructor who can help him return to a more neutral clubface position may be crucial to his comeback efforts.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of proper golf instruction and the risks of making major swing changes, even for elite players like Spieth. Player's insights demonstrate how technical flaws can derail a promising career, underscoring the need for golfers to work with knowledgeable coaches who can help them maximize their natural abilities.