If you’re checking your watch and wondering is jordan spieth playing today, the short answer is: not quite yet, but he's about to be everywhere on your screen. Today is Wednesday, January 14, 2026. While the practice range at Waialae Country Club is currently buzzing with the sound of compressed Titleists, the actual competitive rounds for the 2026 Sony Open in Hawaii don't officially kick off until tomorrow, Thursday, January 15.
Jordan is in the field. He’s been spotted around Honolulu all week, looking noticeably different than he did this time last year. Honestly, for Spieth fans, this is the most anticipated start in a long time. After a 2024 season that was essentially hijacked by a stubborn wrist injury and a 2025 campaign that felt like a long, slow climb back to relevancy, 2026 is being framed as the "Monster Season." His words, not mine.
Is Jordan Spieth Playing Today? The 2026 Season Opener Breakdown
So, if he isn't playing a "real" round today, what is he doing? Today is the traditional Pro-Am day. It’s that relaxed, slightly chaotic Wednesday vibe where the pros play with corporate sponsors and celebrities. Spieth is a staple here. He uses these rounds to dial in the speed of the Bermuda greens, which, as any golf nerd knows, can be tricky as the Pacific winds pick up.
Tomorrow is the big one. The first round of the Sony Open marks the official beginning of the 2026 PGA Tour season. This year is unique because "The Sentry"—usually the season opener in Kapalua—was shelved due to local water and drought issues. That makes Waialae the true "Opening Drive" of the year.
Why this week at Waialae matters for Spieth
Spieth’s history here is, well, very Spieth-like. It’s a rollercoaster. Back in 2023, he actually shared the lead after the first round and then somehow managed to miss the cut. That’s the Jordan experience in a nutshell. But Waialae fits his game. It’s a classic, flat, shot-maker's course. You don't have to be a 350-yard bomber like some of the younger kids coming off the Korn Ferry Tour. You need to be creative. You need to scramble.
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Basically, you need to do the things Jordan does better than almost anyone when he’s "on."
The Wrist, the Surgery, and the 2026 "Monster" Prediction
We have to talk about the left wrist. For nearly two years, it was the elephant in the room. He had surgery in late August of 2024 to repair a nerve issue that was literally causing his wrist to dislocate while he was doing normal dad stuff, like giving his kids a bath.
In 2025, we saw the "rehab version" of Spieth. He was cautious. He was grinding. He had some flashes—a T7 at the Memorial and a 4th place finish at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson—but he lacked that killer instinct on Sundays.
The shift in his stats
- Putting is back: Last season, he quietly had his best strokes-gained putting numbers (+0.152) since his peak years.
- No more pain: He’s gone on record saying the "swing DNA" is back. He isn't flinching through impact anymore.
- The Offseason: He spent the end of 2025 in the lab. While other guys were on vacation, Spieth was at Brookhaven Country Club in Dallas, nailing down his mechanics.
He told the media at the Wyndham late last year, "Next year’s going to be a really good year for me, I can feel it." When a guy like Spieth says he can feel it, you usually want to pay attention. He isn't just looking to keep his card; he’s looking to get back into the Top 10 of the Official World Golf Ranking.
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Watching Jordan Spieth: TV Schedule and Tee Times
If you're planning your week around his rounds, here’s how the coverage is looking for the Sony Open. Since it's in Hawaii, us folks on the mainland get that glorious primetime golf.
Thursday and Friday (Rounds 1 & 2):
Golf Channel has the live rights. Expect him to be in one of the "Featured Groups" that they highlight. Usually, the broadcast starts around 7:00 PM ET.
The "Happy Hour" Segment:
On Friday, keep an eye out for Smylie Kaufman. The "Happy Hour with Smylie" segments are returning for 2026. Jordan and Smylie are best friends, so if Spieth is playing well, there’s a 99% chance Smylie will be walking alongside him with a microphone (and maybe a Michelob Ultra) during the late-night Friday window.
Who else is he up against?
The field this week isn't just a walk in the park. He’s contending with:
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- Nick Taylor: The defending champ who won in a wild playoff in 2025.
- Collin Morikawa: Who always seems to play well in the islands.
- Hideki Matsuyama: A former winner here who knows these greens like the back of his hand.
Is the "Golden Child" finally back?
There’s a segment of the golf world that thinks Jordan's best days are in the rearview mirror. They point to the fact that he hasn't won since the 2022 RBC Heritage. They point to the young stars like Ludvig Åberg and the dominance of Scottie Scheffler.
But golf is cyclical.
Spieth is only 32. That’s essentially the prime for a professional golfer. If the wrist is truly 100%, and the subconscious "adjustments" he was making to avoid pain are gone, there is no reason he can't win multiple times this year. He’s playing with a level of freedom we haven't seen in a long time.
Actionable Steps for Spieth Fans Today
Since there's no competitive leaderboard to refresh today, here is what you can do to get ready for tomorrow's opening round:
- Check the Tee Times: The PGA Tour usually releases the exact Round 1 tee times late Wednesday afternoon. Check if he’s in the "Morning/Afternoon" or "Afternoon/Morning" wave. This matters in Hawaii because the afternoon winds at Waialae can be brutal.
- Monitor the Weather: Look for the wind gusts in Honolulu. If it’s blowing over 20 mph, the advantage shifts heavily toward the experienced scramblers like Jordan.
- Set Your DVR: If you’re on the East Coast, the finish of these rounds will be after midnight. Don't rely on your ability to stay awake.
- Watch the Warm-up: If you have PGA Tour Live on ESPN+, they often show the range sessions on Wednesday and early Thursday. Watch his follow-through. If it looks long and fluid, his wrist is feeling good.
The question of is jordan spieth playing today might yield a "not yet," but by tomorrow night, he’ll be the talk of the golf world again. Whether it’s a 64 or a 74, it’s never boring.