While Scottie Scheffler currently holds the World No. 1 spot and has drawn comparisons to a prime Tiger Woods, golf icon Gary Player believes there’s someone more deserving of the “best golfer in the world” title — Jordan Spieth.
The nine-time major champion recently shared his thoughts on *The Golf Supply* YouTube channel, where he criticized modern golf instruction and lamented how poor teaching has derailed Spieth’s once-dominant career. Calling it a “tragedy,” the 89-year-old said:
“There’s a tremendous lack of knowledge in golf today. In America, many of the pros teaching now know less about the real game. They have all the tech and gear, but they’re teaching players to bow their wrists at the top — and once you do that, you’re gone.”
Player contrasted this with greats like Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer, explaining that technique and hand positioning are key to longevity. Demonstrating the proper hand position, he said golfers must get their hands “under the club” to strike correctly.
Turning his focus to Spieth, Player praised the Texan’s competitive spirit, short game, and course management — but said modern coaching ruined his swing:
“They did it with Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler. Spieth, to me, is the best golfer in the world. But he was taught the wrong thing, and his game went downhill. If Ben Hogan had taught him, he’d be the best by far. He’s such a wonderful man, a great ambassador for golf — but he just can’t hit the ball anymore. That’s a tragedy.”
Spieth dominated between 2015 and 2017, capturing three major titles and reaching World No. 1. However, since his last victory in 2022, he’s struggled to regain form and now ranks 51st globally.
Despite his slump, Player’s endorsement reignites the belief that Spieth’s natural talent — once properly refined — could still return hi
m to golf’s elite.
