Golf icon Gary Player, a nine-time major champion, ignited debate by proclaiming Jordan Spieth as the rightful best golfer in the world, challenging the current prominence of Scottie Scheffler. Speaking recently, Player emphasized that Spieth’s decline is not due to lack of talent but flawed coaching, raising questions about how modern training affects the game’s top players.

Concerns Over Modern Coaching Practices Affecting Spieth’s Career

On The Golf Supply YouTube channel, Player criticized contemporary golf instructors, suggesting their overreliance on technology has come at the expense of fundamental knowledge. According to Player, this shift has had detrimental impacts on players like Spieth, who soared to the peak of golf after winning three majors between 2015 and 2017 but subsequently saw his performance falter.

There is a tremendous lack of knowledge with golf today,

said Player, expressing his frustration with the direction of modern coaching. He further explained the technical error he sees at the heart of the problem:

They’re teaching golfers to do this at the top,

referencing a swing technique he believes shortens players’ careers.

Once you do that, you are gone.

Player Links Coaching Problems to Broader Struggles Among Elite Golfers

Player extended his critique beyond Spieth, citing fellow golfer Rickie Fowler as another player whose career has suffered under current coaching trends. Player passionately stated,

Jordan Spieth, I think, is the best golfer in the world, but he was taught the wrong thing. If you had a man like Ben Hogan teaching Jordan Spieth, he would be the best in the world,

underscoring his belief in Spieth’s inherent skill and tenacity despite recent setbacks.

Comparing Spieth’s Challenges to Scheffler’s Steady Rise

The golf world has reacted strongly to Player’s views, especially given Scottie Scheffler’s rapid ascent among the game’s top competitors. Scheffler’s consistency and impressive results have placed him at the forefront, casting a shadow over Spieth’s attempts at resurgence. Meanwhile, other leading golfers like Rory McIlroy, Bryson DeChambeau, and Jon Rahm continue to shape the competitive landscape with their performances.

Technical Differences Highlighted Between Spieth and Scheffler’s Swings

Analyses from Data Golf reveal that top players often differ significantly in their swing mechanics. Scheffler’s neutral club-face position contrasts with Spieth’s tendency toward a closed club-face at the top of his swing, which Player suggests might hamper Spieth’s effectiveness. This variation raises debate about whether there is a single optimal swing style or if success can arise from multiple techniques.

Looking Ahead: Spieth’s Future and the Evolution of Golf’s Elite

Gary Player’s strong endorsement of Jordan Spieth keeps alive the conversation about who deserves the title of best golfer today. While Spieth’s journey to reclaim dominance faces hurdles rooted in coaching and technique, the sport continues to evolve with new talent challenging the status quo. As Scheffler and his peers secure their places at the top, the next chapters of professional golf promise ongoing drama and shifting allegiances in the debate over greatness.