Jordan Spieth Withdraws from Travelers Championship After Neck Injury Mid-Round
Jordan Spieth was forced to withdraw from the 2025 Travelers Championship due to a sudden neck injury, cutting his first round short after 12 holes at TPC River Highlands. The incident unfolded just moments before his scheduled tee time, making it a last-minute decision to even start the round.
The injury occurred during Spieth’s warm-up session. While preparing for his opening round, the three-time major winner began experiencing tightness in his neck and upper back. Though he initially pushed through and teed off, the pain intensified as the round progressed.
Jordan Spieth was getting his neck treated 10min before his tee time… was super close
— Michael S. Kim (@Mike_kim714) June 19, 2025
Michael Kim, a fellow PGA Tour professional, revealed on social media that Spieth was receiving neck treatment just ten minutes before his tee time, describing the situation as “super close” to a pre-round withdrawal.
Despite a rough start, Spieth tried to power through the discomfort. He was 5-over par after 12 holes when he reached the par-5 13th. After hitting a weak second shot into a bunker, Spieth turned to his caddie Michael Greller and said, “I’m done. Can’t do it. I’m sorry.” He then called for a rules official, handed his scorecard to playing partner Luke Clanton, and was escorted off the course by cart.
Explaining the injury, Spieth said everything felt fine during his gym workout, but mid-warm-up his right scapula locked up, triggering severe stiffness in his neck and upper back. He speculated that sleeping in a bad position may have contributed to the issue. Though he tried to complete the round, he ultimately decided it would only worsen if he continued.
“I thought I might be able to grind out an even-par round,” Spieth said. “But on the 13th, the pain really hit, and I couldn’t make a proper backswing. I knew it was only going to get worse.”
Since the Travelers Championship is a no-cut, limited-field event, Spieth will still receive the last-place payout, but he will not earn any FedExCup points.
This marks another setback in a challenging season for the 31-year-old, who missed the early part of the year recovering from left wrist surgery. Heading into the Travelers, he ranked 37th in the FedExCup standings and had posted four top-10 finishes in 15 starts. Most recently, he finished tied for 23rd at the U.S. Open.
Jordan Spieth’s Scorecard Before Withdrawal (First 12 Holes):
Front Nine:
Hole 1 – Bogey (5)
Hole 2 – Par (4)
Hole 3 – Par (4)
Hole 4 – Par (4)
Hole 5 – Par (3)
Hole 6 – Bogey (6)
Hole 7 – Bogey (5)
Hole 8 – Par (3)
Hole 9 – Par (4)
Front Nine Total: +3 (38)
Back Nine:
Hole 10 – Bogey (5)
Hole 11 – Par (3)
Hole 12 – Bogey (5)
Hole 13 – Did Not Complete (withdrew mid-hole)
Spieth’s early exit was disappointing for fans and fellow players alike, especially given the momentum he was hoping to build after a tough season.