Gary Player believes Jordan Spieth has all the tools to be the best golfer in the world. Which is why the 89-year-old legend says it is a "tragedy" to see the three-time major champion struggling.
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In an interview posted this week on "The Golf Supply" YouTube channel, Player said Spieth's decline stems from poor instruction.
"Jordan Spieth, I think, is the best golfer in the world, but in my opinion, he was taught the wrong thing," Player said. "And he just 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, oh man, best course management, but, man, he just can't hit the ball. That is a tragedy."
Player criticized what he called a "tremendous lack of knowledge" in modern coaching, specifically citing the bowed wrist technique. He said once players use it, "you're gone" and "your golf career is limited."
"I would say in America today, the golf pros that are teaching know less about golf," Player added.
Spieth, 31, reached No. 1 in the world in 2015 and last won a major at The Open in 2017. He currently ranks 52nd, has not won since the 2022 RBC Heritage, and missed the BMW Championship this week after finishing outside the top 50 in FedEx Cup points.
Player did leave room for optimism, saying he recently saw Spieth's swing and believes he "might do a lot better this week" if things click.
Spieth has recorded a pair of fourth-place finishes this year but has also posted results of 40th, 31st and 38th in recent starts, along with his first career withdrawal due to injury.
