Jordan Spieth withdrew from the Travelers Championship on June 20, 2025, after experiencing severe neck and upper back pain during the first round at TPC River Highlands. The three-time major winner, who has made 297 starts on the PGA Tour, made the difficult choice to quit midway through the round as his discomfort worsened, despite early attempts to manage the issue.
At the time of his withdrawal, Spieth was five-over par through 12 holes, feeling an escalating pain that had first appeared in his warmup. His sudden exit marks a rare moment in his otherwise consistent PGA Tour career.
Details of Spieth’s Injury and Decision to Withdraw
Spieth initially believed the discomfort in his right scapula would be manageable. However, the pain intensified rapidly, spreading across both sides of his neck and upper back, leading to limited mobility and significant discomfort.
“Everything was great in my gym session, and I’ve been very, very excited to go out and play,”
Spieth said.
He described the progression of the injury during warmup, explaining how his right shoulder region locked up and the pain migrated across his upper back and neck. Despite attempting to play through the discomfort, Spieth realized he could not complete his backswing as his mobility deteriorated.
“I was walking off that tee, and I’m like, if it’s even harder to turn, then I’m not going to be able to make a backswing that’s even useful, and that’s what happened on the bunker shot.”
During the round, Spieth tried alleviating the pain with a massage gun but ultimately could not continue beyond the 13th hole.
He admitted,
“I just can’t do it, man. I just can’t finish a backswing.”
Unexpected Setback Amid Promising Form
The injury came as a shock to Spieth, who emphasized that everything about his preparation had been routine and typical. He had entered the tournament feeling confident about his form and chances at TPC River Highlands and had no prior indication that such a sudden physical issue would occur.
Following his withdrawal, Spieth decided to take some time off to rest and recover, aiming to regain full health while preparing for the arrival of his third child.
He may draw from past recovery methods, notably after a difficult U.S. Open performance at Oakmont, where he found solace in social moments away from the course.
Current Standings at Travelers Championship Amid Spieth’s Withdrawal
While Spieth’s day ended prematurely, other top players made strong starts at the tournament. Scottie Scheffler leads the field, tied at eight-under par alongside Austin Eckroat. Rory McIlroy trails by two strokes, sharing the leaderboard with Wyndham Clark and Keegan Bradley, all at six-under par.
Wyndham Clark’s solid showing comes despite recent struggles, including a public incident following his missed cut at the U.S. Open where he damaged a locker room in frustration. Clark later expressed regret, acknowledging,
“It was a mistake that I deeply regret.”
Travelers Championship First Round Leaderboard Overview
T1: Austin Eckroat -8
T1: Scottie Scheffler -8
T3: Wyndham Clark -6
T3: Rory McIlroy -6
T3: Keegan Bradley -6
6: Cameron Young -5
Eight players tied for 7th at four-under par.
Implications for Spieth and What to Expect Next
Jordan Spieth’s unexpected injury withdrawal casts uncertainty over his near-term participation in upcoming PGA Tour events. Known for his resilience and skill, Spieth’s decision to prioritize recovery highlights the severity of his condition.
With a strong career record, the injury interrupts his momentum, making his return timeline a key point of interest for fans and analysts alike. Meanwhile, the ongoing competition at TPC River Highlands continues without the three-time major winner, shifting the spotlight fully onto the current leaders.