The trials and tribulations of Jordan Spieth have been well documented. The former World No. 1 simply can’t recapture the consistency he once displayed in winning 10 tournaments and three majors in a three-year stretch, and ascending to the top of the golf world. Spieth has fallen to 108th in the Golfweek/Sagarin rankings and down to No. 84 in the Official World Golf Ranking.
And while there’s nothing indicating he’s set to part with coach Cameron McCormick, a new report insists he’s looking to have someone outside his camp take a fresh look at his swing.
Golf Digest said it has confirmed that Spieth “has sought direction from Butch Harmon on his full swing,” a sign that he realizes his current approach simply isn’t working.
Many have speculated that a change might do Spieth good — through the first six events of the new PGA Tour season, he’s shown no signs he’s ready to snap out of the funk that’s dogged him for the past few years. The former University of Texas star has thrice missed the cut in 2020-21 and his highest finish during the three weekends he made was a T-38 at the CJ Cup.
Spieth’s strength was never the long ball, but even the game’s finer points have failed him in the new season — he’s currently 126th in Strokes Gained: Putting, 230th in Strokes Gained: Approaching the Green and a surprising 198th in Strokes Gained: Tee to Green.
Harmon, known for focusing on a player’s strengths, might be exactly what the 27-year-old Spieth needs to kickstart his career. Spieth has long been known for occasional yips, but they’ve dominated his headlines in recent years. For example, Spieth’s 40 on the back in the opening round of the Vivint Houston Open was just a few competitive rounds removed from the 81 he posted in the second round of the U.S. Open at Winged Foot.
