Jordan Spieth faced an unexpected twist during the Hero World Challenge when it was revealed that he had been playing with a cracked driver face. The three-time major champion, using a Titleist TSR2 driver, discovered the damage after completing rounds of 72 and 73 on Thursday and Friday.
Driver Change Boosts Spieth’s Performance
After learning about the cracked driver, Spieth quickly switched to a new Titleist TSR2 driver for his third round. This new model featured a 10° loft adjusted to 9.25° and was paired with a Fujikura Ventus Black 6X shaft. The change positively impacted his performance, as reflected in his score.
Round Performance Comparison
| Round | Driver Status | Fairways Hit | Avg. Driving Distance | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday | Cracked Face | 10/13 | 317 yards | 72 |
| Friday | Cracked Face | 9/13 | 308 yards | 73 |
| Saturday | New Driver | 12/13 | 288 yards | 70 |
Despite a drop in average distance on Saturday, Spieth’s improved fairway accuracy led to his best round of the week, finishing at 2-under.
Challenges in a Tough Season
This week has been indicative of Spieth’s struggles during the 2025 season. Following a T38 finish at the FedEx St. Jude Championship in August, this tournament marks his return. Currently sitting at one under par, Spieth finds himself near the bottom of the leaderboard, only ahead of Chris Gotterup, who stands at five over.
Current Standings
Spieth starts the final round a significant 16 shots off the lead held by Sepp Straka. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is closely behind, aiming for a third consecutive victory.
Injuries and Outlook
Injuries have plagued Spieth, including persistent wrist issues that required surgery in August 2024. His recovery has also been hindered by neck and back pain. Despite these challenges, he hopes to work diligently during the offseason to return stronger in the 2026 season.
Hero World Challenge Details
The Hero World Challenge is being hosted in The Bahamas at the Albany layout for the tenth consecutive year. Although it is not an official PGA Tour event, the field remains competitive, showcasing many top players. Tiger Woods, the event’s host, has been unable to play due to recent surgeries but is optimistic about returning in March.
Fans look forward to the possibility of seeing both Spieth and Woods back in form next season, which could reignite excitement in the golfing world.
