Jordan Spieth makes big change in bid ; bounce back to form and climb world rankings

Jordan Spieth has made a significant equipment change at the Cognizant Classic, switching to the 2025 Titleist Pro-V1x golf ball. The former world No.1 has struggled in recent years, dropping to 70th in the Official World Golf Ranking after previously falling as low as 84th. Seeking to regain form, Spieth saw immediate results, shooting a six-under-par 65 in the opening round, including seven birdies.

The switch was influenced by Spieth’s need to adjust to a new driver after cracking his previous one. He explained that the new ball provided better spin rates and launch conditions, particularly with his long irons. This adjustment aimed to improve his consistency off the tee and overall performance. While still trailing leader Jake Knapp, who shot a historic 12-under 59, Spieth remains optimistic about his progress.

Despite his encouraging performance, Spieth faces challenges in returning to the sport’s elite ranks. His failure to qualify for the Arnold Palmer Invitational, now a Signature Event, was a setback, as he missed the top-70 cut for automatic entry. A sponsor exemption bid also fell short, highlighting his need for strong showings in upcoming events. As he continues refining his game, Spieth hopes his latest changes will mark the beginning of a successful comeback.