Jordan Spieth reveals how Tiger Woods’ event helped him contend at The Sentry

Following the recovery from his ulnar nerve injury in 2023 which impacted his forearm, hand, and fingers, took a break from golfing during the fall. However, his return was marked in the first December weekend with the intention of playing in a tournament in the Bahamas. Spieth had a notable performance finishing sixth out of twenty participants. The event in the Bahamas proved beneficial in preparing him for the following week's event in Maui. “The Bahamas tournament was a great stepping stone, giving me the confidence to get back into the game," Spieth stated during his third-round on Saturday in Maui. He scored a bogey-free six-under 67 moving up the leaderboard. He is now two strokes behind the lead at 19-under, with only one player standing between him and victory. Spieth, once the world's top golfer, is keen to secure his first win since the 2022 RBC Heritage tournament. "I need to score six under or more," he said. "The scores are just extraordinary.” The ever-entertaining Plantation Course at Kapalua, known for its numerous birdies, marks the start of each year. The course, however, doesn't inevitably reflect who is playing their best, Spieth noted. “Some players may be on their best game, but they can't make enough birdies or catch the right breaks,” he said. “Some are scoring well but still need to improve. Kapalua can be like that for a few rounds, but it typically unfolds over the course of the tournament.” Golf can be unpredictable, but Spieth expressed gratitude for having had the opportunity to compete in the Bahamas before the Maui tournament. Despite a slump earlier in the season, he's now looking ahead, free of his pesky ulnar nerve issue, which hasn't bothered him all week. He's continually maintaining physical therapy about three to four times a week to ensure strength in 2024. His recuperation strategy, combined with his recent Bahamas experience, could potentially elevate him to the top in Maui. A victory at the start of the new year would be a fantastic achievement for the three-time major champion.