Jordan Spieth's participation in the Valspar Championship is always a plus for PGA Tour fans, as he skipped the final stop on the Florida Swing for several years.
But this week will mark his third consecutive appearance at Innisbrook Resort's Copperhead Course, where he's had a bit of a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde thing happening in years past, which is somewhat of a microcosm of his career as a whole when you think about it.
While Spieth's career has been marked by moments of brilliance, there have also been plenty of inconsistencies, which makes it difficult at times to gauge which version of the three-time major champion we'll see on a week-to-week basis.
So, which version of Jordan Spieth should we expect at the Valspar this week?
The Good Jordan Spieth
Despite the naysayers, Spieth is still an excellent player and has a pair of top-10 finishes on his resume this season, tying for fourth at the WM Phoenix Open and tying for ninth at the Cognizant Classic.
The 31-year-old is generally comfortable with layouts like the Copperhead Course, winning the Valspar in 2015 and tying for third here just two years ago. Innisbrook is known for its challenging layout that requires precise shot-making and strategic play—elements that are undoubtedly in Spieth’s wheelhouse when he's on form.
He’s dazzled us with how he handles the famous "Snake Pit"—holes 16, 17, and 18—especially under pressure, as his 2015 victory came on the third playoff hole after three incredible par saves in regulation on the difficult homestretch.
Spieth, of course, then went on to win both The Masters and the U.S. Open that year.
Several of his recent performances have shown glimpses of a return to form, and this resurgence can be attributed to improved putting and accuracy off the tee.
Spieth's putting, in particular, has often been an important weapon in his arsenal. When his putter is hot, he can roll in putts from anywhere on the green, and he definitely knows these greens.
The Bad Jordan Spieth
The cruel aspect of golf is that nobody always shoots their best scores, and Spieth is no exception. However, it’s the drastic inconsistencies in his play that make him unpredictable each and every week.
Following his early meteoric rise, the Dallas native underwent a slump that saw him struggle through 1,351 days between wins. Since his "comeback" win at the 2021 Valero Texas Open, he has only won one time since, taking the 2022 RBC Heritage.
And since then, he’s had significant issues with his wrist, finally undergoing surgery last August.
The surgery could easily be to blame for his unfamiliar and disappointing iron play of late. Spieth has long been known for his pinpoint accuracy, but it just hasn’t returned yet. On a course like Copperhead, he can't afford errant iron play.
The Ugly Jordan Spieth
Bubbling beneath it all is Spieth's mental game.
While a strength during his victories, he has also been visibly affected by his struggles. The pressure to perform and return to his former glory has often led to decision-making errors and frustration. Missing the cut at the Valspar last year with a second-round 74 that featured zero birdies doesn’t help.
This volatility raises concerns about his ability to maintain a steady performance even when he’s not at his best.
As mentioned above, Spieth has two top-10s this season, but he also tied for 69th at Pebble Beach, missed the cut at The Genesis, and is coming off a 59th-place finish at The Players Championship.
Will we get another viral soundbite from Jordan Spieth at the Valspar Championship this week, or will we see a scrappy grinder whose short game and confidence sometimes seem to know no bounds?