Gary Player is a well-known admirer of Jordan Spieth as a golfer.
When Spieth burst onto the scene 13 years ago now, it was obvious that he was set for stardom.
In fact, many expected the prodigiously talented youngster to go on and surpass the records of real greats of the game, including the likes of Gary Player.
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When Jordan Spieth won the Masters and the US Open in 2015 and then the Open Championship two years later, the sky was the limit for him.
He was the best golfer in the world by quite some distance, and it’s fair to say that Gary Player‘s record of nine major championships was well within his grasp at the time.
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However, it has all been downhill from there for the Texan, unfortunately.
Spieth has not won on the PGA Tour since April 2022, and despite showing glimpses of his true talent, one or two bad holes always seem to derail his progress.
Over the past few months, Spieth has reiterated his belief that he is close to rediscovering his best form, but he still hasn’t been in contention to win a tournament this year.
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And Player thinks he knows the reason for that.
Gary Player says Jordan Spieth has a problem away from the golf course
Player has been speaking on the Vanity Index Podcast about a wide range of topics.
He responded when asked to give his opinion on Spieth as a golfer.
“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.
“And 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.
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“If Ben Hogan could teach, if Ben Hogan could teach Jordan Spieth, he would be the best player in the world.
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“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 his coach, Cameron McCormick, since he was just 12 years old. So changing coaches after 20 years would be a major call for Spieth to make.
Gary Player on Jordan Spieth’s hopes of completing the Grand Slam
Next week will be Spieth’s 10th attempt at securing the career Grand Slam when he heads to Aronimink for the PGA Championship.
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Player revealed how desperate he is for Spieth to finally get his hands on the Wanamaker trophy.
“So he’s only got one to go (major win). I’d love to see him get that. I think he’s got to win the PGA, if I’m not mistaken.
“I’d like to see him do it.“
It would be great for Jordan Spieth, and indeed for the game of golf, if he were to win the PGA Championship and join the career Grand Slam club as a result.
However, as most golf fans have come to accept, the 32-year-old’s best days seem to be in his rearview mirror.
Hopefully he can prove all of the doubters wrong next week in Pennsylvania.
