CROMWELL, Conn. – Jordan Spieth’s streak of 297 consecutive PGA Tour starts without a withdrawal came to a painful end on Thursday as he was forced to pull out of the Travelers Championship after 13 holes due to a shoulder injury. The three-time major champion, visibly in agony, cited tightness in his shoulder blade that made swinging unbearable.
Spieth, 31, revealed the issue emerged unexpectedly, possibly from sleeping in an awkward position.
“I’ve never withdrawn from an event ever, anywhere at any level, so I didn’t really know what to do,” said Spieth, who won the Travelers in 2017. “It just became too much.” Despite treatment and attempts to push through, the pain intensified, leading to his first-ever mid-tournament exit.
The withdrawal is a setback for Spieth, who was competing in his first signature event of 2025 without a sponsor exemption. At 5-over par through 12 holes, he struggled before a tee shot on the 13th left him grimacing and unable to continue.
“It’s incredibly frustrating,” he added, noting his love for the tournament.
Spieth, who underwent wrist surgery in 2024, now faces a race to recover ahead of The Open Championship next month. With his wife expecting their third child soon, the timing adds further challenges for the former world No. 1.
Spieth’s focus shifts to healing as he aims to return to form in a season that has shown promise with four top-10 finishes.
