Golf legend Gary Player recently triggered a heated debate about Jordan Spieth’s career and future, prompting some fans to call for both Spieth and Rory McIlroy to consider retirement. Speaking on The Golf Supply YouTube channel, Player referred to Spieth as
“the best golfer in the world”
despite his recent struggles on the PGA Tour.
Over the last few years, Spieth has faced a noticeable decline in performance. His most recent victory came in 2022 at the RBC Heritage, but the 2025 season saw him finish 54th in the FedExCup standings and 52nd in the Official World Golf Ranking, dropping out of the top 50 for the first time since 2021.
Player Attributes Spieth’s Decline to Coaching Issues
Gary Player attributed Spieth’s downturn to coaching problems, suggesting that Spieth was taught incorrectly and his form deteriorated as a result. Player elaborated:
“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…but he just can’t hit the ball. That is a tragedy.”
After these remarks were shared by NUCLR Golf on X, fans quickly responded with mixed reactions.
Fan Reactions Call for Retirement and Reflect on Spieth’s Early Success
Some followers bluntly stated their views on Spieth and McIlroy’s continued participation in the sport. One fan said:
“Rory and Jordan should retire.”
Others looked back nostalgically at Spieth’s previous dominance in golf, with one user commenting:
“He used to be outstanding. I don’t know what’s happened to him.”
Not all agreed with Player’s evaluation, comparing Spieth unfavorably to current leaders. A particular critique noted:
“Gary calling Jordan the best golfer while Scottie is out there dominating everything lol….out of touch,”
while another fan pointed out technical issues in Spieth’s putting:
“Not even close. Putts cross handed and actually “SLAPS” at the ball. Stops the putter after contact instead of stroking it. Can’t putt a lick. Nice guy, but Far from the best.”
One supporter recalled Spieth’s breakthrough victory at the 2013 John Deere Classic, expressing confusion about his current form:
“When Spieth first hit the tour I thought he was great. Not sure what happened.”
Reviewing Jordan Spieth’s 2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Jordan Spieth competed in 19 PGA Tour events but did not claim a win. Nevertheless, he managed four top-10 finishes and eight top-25 finishes, while missing the cut twice and withdrawing from one tournament. His performances varied across notable competitions including the Masters and the U.S. Open.
Detailed 2025 results include:
- AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am – T69 (Even par)
- WM Phoenix Open – T4 (-16)
- The Genesis Invitational – Missed cut (+6)
- Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches – T9 (-14)
- THE PLAYERS Championship – 59 (+4)
- Valspar Championship – T28 (-2)
- Valero Texas Open – T12 (-3)
- Masters Tournament – T14 (-3)
- RBC Heritage – T18 (-9)
- THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson – 4 (-19)
- Truist Championship – T34 (-4)
- PGA Championship – Missed cut (+2)
- Charles Schwab Challenge – T36 (-2)
- The Memorial Tournament presented by Workday – T7 (-1)
- U.S. Open – T23 (+8)
- Travelers Championship – Withdrawn
- The Open Championship – T40 (-2)
- Wyndham Championship – T31 (-7)
- FedEx St. Jude Championship – T38 (-3)
Jordan Spieth’s Career Achievements and What Lies Ahead
Jordan Spieth has accumulated 13 PGA Tour wins during his career, including three major titles at the Masters, U.S. Open, and The Open Championship. The PGA Championship remains the only major title missing from his record, which, if won, would complete his career Grand Slam.
The ongoing debate about Spieth’s future highlights the pressures that come with sustaining top form in professional golf. With fans divided over whether he and McIlroy should continue competing, the coming seasons will be crucial in defining their legacies and potential decisions around retirement.