Jordan Spieth named best golfer in the world as Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler snubbed
Golfing icon Gary Player has declared Jordan Spieth would reign supreme as the world's finest golfer if he'd received proper tuition. And the legend suggested inadequate instruction caused his decline in recent years.
Spieth, 32, held the World No. 1 spot for 26 weeks in 2015 following triumphs at both the Masters and the US Open. However, he has struggled to stay as relevant in major competitions and hasn't won another since clinching The Open in 2017.
He has battled for form in recent seasons, with Scottie Scheffler now occupying the rankings summit, though Spieth maintains he was superior during his peak years. The three-time major winner hasn't secured a PGA Tour triumph since 2022, yet Spieth remains optimistic his barren spell could conclude shortly.
Nevertheless, Player insisted Spieth can no longer strike a ball properly due to substandard coaching and branded the circumstances tragic. The 89-year-old boasts nine major championships and ranks among golf's all-time greats.
While many believe the sport's overall quality has improved over time, Player remains convinced today's professionals receive dreadful advice on their technique. According to Player, Spieth represents one of the most significant casualties, arguing he would still surpass Scheffler had he been instructed properly.
"There is a tremendous lack of knowledge with golf," said Player on The Golf Supply YouTube channel (via The Mirror US). "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 [bowed wrist action]. But you can't; once you do that, you are gone.
"Jack Nicklaus won majors for 25 years, I won majors for 20 years, Palmer won for six years because he was shut. Look at Dustin Johnson. You haven't heard of him. When was the last time you heard of Dustin Johnson?"
Player then turned his attention to Spieth, claiming golfing icon Ben Hogan could have rescued his career: "What they are doing, they did it with Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler.
"Now those two guys. Jordan Spieth, I think, is the best golfer in the world, but in my opinion, he was taught the wrong thing. And he just went downhill. He went downhill.
"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."
Despite Player's harsh assessment, Spieth remains confident about bouncing back to his best next season: "Next year's going to be a really good year for me, I can feel it," he declared during the Wyndham Championship.
"One good offseason should get me nailed down to where I could be as good as I've been. That's my goal."
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