Gary Player has long been one of Jordan Spieth's biggest fans. When Spieth burst onto the scene 13 years ago, it was clear he was destined for greatness. Many believed the young Texan would eventually surpass legends like Player himself, rewriting the record books along the way.
And for a while, it looked like that prophecy was coming true. Spieth's 2015 Masters and US Open victories, followed by his Open Championship win in 2017, had him sitting on top of the golfing world. He was the best player on the planet by a wide margin, and Gary Player's nine major titles seemed well within reach.
But the journey took an unexpected turn. Since April 2022, Spieth hasn't won on the PGA Tour. While flashes of his old brilliance appear now and then, a few bad holes always seem to derail his momentum. He's been saying for months that he's close to finding his form again, but this year hasn't put him in serious contention.
Player recently shared his thoughts on the Vanity Index Podcast, offering a mix of admiration and tough love for the three-time major winner.
"Jordan Spieth, I just love Jordan Spieth," Player said. "He's a good American man. He's got a wonderful family, he loves his family. He's a charismatic guy. He won all those majors, and since then, his golf has just gone right off the boil."
Player's advice? A change at the top. "I think, if I was him, I would try a different coach. I mean, I admire his loyalty to his coach, but he needs a change. If Ben Hogan could teach Jordan Spieth, he would be the best player in the world. I really believe it, because he's the best putter. He's the best competitor, but his swing is actually preventing him. He's getting better. It's getting a little better recently, but the way he was swinging the club prevented him from being the best in the world."
Spieth has been with coach Cameron McCormick since he was just 12 years old. That kind of loyalty is rare in professional sports, but Player believes it might be time for a new voice in Spieth's ear. For a player who once seemed destined to dominate golf for a generation, the question remains: can he find his way back to the top?