For the first time since bursting onto the global golf scene, Jordan Spieth has dropped out of the world’s top 60 rankings — a position that would normally shut the door on golf’s biggest PGA Tour events. Yet, in Spieth’s case, the usual rules appear unlikely to apply.
Spieth has long been one of the defining figures of modern golf. His career took off in 2013 when he won the John Deere Classic, a victory that saw him leap from world No. 120 to No. 59 almost overnight. He later climbed to world No. 1 and remained a regular presence near the top of the rankings until 2018. Now, however, the American finds himself ranked 61st — his first drop outside the top 60. Surprisingly, it may have little impact on his schedule.
Speaking on the Golf Podcast with Rex & Lav, PGA Tour insiders Ryan Lavner and Rex Hoggard discussed Spieth’s situation. Lavner initially explained that players inside the top 60 are expected to qualify automatically for the first few signature events of the 2026 season. Hoggard, however, was quick to point out that Spieth is unlikely to miss out, ranking or not.
According to Hoggard, Spieth’s long-standing sponsorship with AT&T virtually guarantees him a spot at Pebble Beach. “Jordan Spieth’s main sponsor is AT&T, so he’s getting into Pebble Beach,” Hoggard said, noting that the relationship alone is enough to secure his entry.
Hoggard also suggested Spieth won’t face any obstacles getting into the Genesis Invitational either. With Tiger Woods hosting the event and maintaining a strong relationship with Spieth, the American star is expected to receive an invitation there as well. “It’s hard to imagine him not getting into Genesis,” Hoggard added.
While Spieth’s access to these events seems secure, Lavner expressed frustration with the system itself. He criticized the PGA Tour’s continued use of sponsor exemptions, arguing that it undermines the idea of merit-based qualification. “You have a meritocracy, yet players still receive handouts into the biggest, most career-changing events,” Lavner said, calling for the Tour to reconsider its stance.
Despite his recent struggles and drop in ranking, Spieth appears set to receive valuable opportunities to regain form in 2026. Legendary golfer Gary Player, meanwhile, believes he knows why Spieth’s game has dipped.
Back in August 2025, Player spoke candidly about Spieth’s decline in a YouTube interview shared by The Golf Supply. While praising Spieth’s talent and competitive spirit, Player suggested that flawed coaching may be holding him back. “Jordan Spieth, in my opinion, was taught the wrong things,” Player said. “That’s when it all went downhill.”
The South African great went further, claiming that with proper instruction — even referencing Ben Hogan — Spieth could still be the best golfer in the world. He applauded Spieth’s short game, course management, and character, but lamented his struggles with ball striking. Player also criticized modern swing techniques, particularly the bowed wrist method, warning that such approaches can limit a golfer’s career.
With Spieth now outside the top 60, the spotlight remains firmly on what comes next. Whether these privileged opportunities help spark a comeback remains to be seen — but few doubt that Jordan Spieth’s story is far from over.
