2026 Baycurrent Classic: Jordan Spieth returns to Japan with confidence next win is close to

Jordan Spieth insists he’s close to reaching the winner’s circle again. He just has to keep the course.

Despite a more than four-year drought and without a prime 10 end this yr, Spieth advised reports in Japan this week that his recreation improved as the yr went on and that he’s excited to get back to work after a seven-week layoff after lacking the prime 50 at the FedEx St. Jude Championship in the center of August.

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“I had a lot better season than the results showed,” Spieth said. “I’m really excited about what the next bunch of years can produce going forward.”

Perhaps most telling is that the former world No. 1 — who had his 2023, 2024 and 2025 seasons derailed by damage — said he felt unrestricted by any health issues forward of the Baycurrent Classic.

“I feel as healthy and strong as ever,” said the 33-year-old Spieth, who is back in Japan for the first time since 2019 and making his debut at Yokohama Country Club. “I feel that my mechanics are more sound than they’ve been for a while. It’s just about giving myself more and more opportunities to get comfortable at or near the lead again where I can push — where I finished 11th to 19th most of the weeks this last year, I can push that up to having a good chance when I tee off on Sunday and being at or near the lead.

“I like the place I’m in,” he added. “I really feel that I can keep the course, and it’s close. I’ve been in a lot of totally different positions in my profession and this is a very thrilling one, gets me excited to go out and work and love what I do.”

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In addition to shaking off the rust this week in the Land of the Rising Sun, Spieth has to deal with the stress of taking part in himself into 2027’s signature occasions.

As No. 55 on the FedExCup Fall standings, he at the moment slotted to play in the Pebble Beach Pro-Am and Genesis Invitational fields but must keep inside the prime 60 to solidify those berths.

Hence why he’s returning from the prolonged break after the first PGA Tour playoff occasion in Memphis.

“I took close to 4 weeks off,” said Spieth, who vacationed with his family in Montana before coming back home to Texas and starting to play again.

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“I was taking part in some actually good golf to end the season and I felt like I just ran out of weeks,” he added. “Had a good probability to put some great weeks collectively and just missed out the last few weeks of the season. So I was fairly excited for this offseason. I did not really feel like I have to work on a ton of issues, I just need to be taking part in more and working towards knocking in more putts.”

Baycurrent Classic 2026: Round 1 tee occasions, groupings, how to watch

Here’s a look at the first-round tee occasions for the PGA Tour’s Baycurrent Classic in Japan.

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  Golf Channel Staff,

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  Golf Channel Staff,

Weight gain?

Spieth spent a majority of his press conference talking about two subjects — putting and his love for Japanese cuisine.

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On his short game, he revealed to reporters he’s been working on speed control and considering a new ball — the V1 from Titleist — this week.

“Been testing it the last couple weeks and I think that I’m going to put it in play this week,” Spieth said of the V1 on Tuesday.

Off the course, Spieth will have to work on showing some restraint from one of his favorite meals — sushi.

He joked with the media that he’s gained five pounds since arriving in Japan Sunday night.

“I can’t stop eating,” he said.

“We were in Tokyo last evening and discovered a sushi spot there, then the food at the golf course has been second to none,” he added.

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Aside from praising the food and the Japanese fans, Spieth called it a blessing to able to see other cultures and travel across the world while doing what he loves.

“I have not finished it in a little while with a younger household, but now hopefully soon I can begin to carry my household and do this more,” he said.

Better gauge

Spieth said when he plays tournaments on difficult courses, he can get a better gauge on what he needs to practice back at home in Texas.

But make no mistake about it, this is a business trip for someone who’s astutely aware of his 2026 tournament finishes.

“I came here to strive to win the golf match,” Spieth said.

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“Coming out of it I’ll know a lot on what I need to do over the next couple months to get prepared for what I think is going to be a actually good season next season.”

Baycurrent Classic 2026: Odds, favorites for Yokohama Country Club

Xander Schauffele returns to Japan as the betting favourite to defend his Baycurrent Classic title.

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  Golf Channel Staff,

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  Golf Channel Staff,