Jordan Spieth Struggles with Putting at Valero Texas Open

Rich Beem provides insight on Spieth's putting mechanics and the impact on his game

Apr. 11, 2026 at 6:14pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the various angles and planes of a golfer's swing and putting stroke, conveying the complex interplay of body positioning and muscle memory that can make or break a champion's game.Spieth's putting woes at the Valero Texas Open reveal the delicate balance between mechanics and confidence that top golfers must maintain.San Antonio Today

Jordan Spieth had a rough opening round at the Valero Texas Open, shooting a one-under 71 and struggling with his putting. Golf analyst Rich Beem noticed that Spieth's left shoulder was dipping below his right, which can affect his putting stroke and distance control. This raises questions about whether Spieth needs to make adjustments to his swing and coaching approach as he prepares for the upcoming Masters tournament.

Why it matters

Spieth's putting performance is crucial, as it often determines not just his scoring but also his confidence heading into major championships. The issues with his shoulder alignment and putting stroke could signal deeper mechanical or coaching challenges that need to be addressed.

The details

Spieth shot a one-under 71 on the first day of the Valero Texas Open, leaving him five shots behind the leaders. Analyst Rich Beem noticed that Spieth's left shoulder was dipping below his right, which can affect his putting stroke and distance control. This subtle mechanical flaw can ripple through Spieth's entire game, impacting his tempo, path, and release timing.

  • Spieth shot a one-under 71 on the first day of the Valero Texas Open.

The players

Jordan Spieth

A professional golfer who has won multiple major championships, including the Masters, U.S. Open, and Open Championship.

Rich Beem

A former professional golfer and current golf analyst who provided insight on Spieth's putting mechanics.

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What they’re saying

“If a veteran player's shoulder positioning signals a tilt rather than a level plane, the entire kinetic chain can betray distance control and rhythm.”

— Rich Beem, Golf Analyst

What’s next

With the Masters looming, Spieth will need to address the issues with his putting stroke and shoulder alignment in order to regain his confidence and competitive edge heading into the major championship.

The takeaway

Spieth's struggles at the Valero Texas Open highlight the fragility of even the best golfers' games, as small mechanical flaws can have a significant impact on their performance. Resolving these issues will require Spieth to be open to adjustments, whether that means working with a new coach or embracing a different approach to his swing and putting mechanics.