Jordan Spieth forced to quit Travelers Championship in agony as he shares five words with Luke Clanton
Sickened Jordan Spieth forced to chalk up unwanted first in Connecticut
Sickened and suffering Jordan Spieth was in agony before being forced quit at the Travelers Championship
The three-times Major champion was full of apologies to playing partner Luke Clanton after having to give up on his fight against injury.
Spieth looked to have trouble in the neck area during the round and was clearly in physical pain as he attempted to battle through the anguish.
The Texan star, who won the Open in 2017, after 2015 wins at the Masters and PGA Championship, received physio from medical staff on the course during the round in his efforts to scrap through to the finale and conclude the round.
However, Spieth just couldn't manage and apologised to Clanton walking down the 13th fairway as he had to admit defeat. He was heard saying: 'I can't do it anymore.'
It was a bitter blow to the American who has felt that he is the right track and ahead of schedule with his form having come back from wrist surgery at the end of last year and working through rehabilitation during his enforced lay-off.
Spieth had never pulled out of an event during play in 297 starts and Sky TV commentator and ex-professional Nick Dougherty said: 'That is terrible news for Jordan Spieth.
"Let's just hope actually it's not too serious and he is back playing again soon.
"But he is a withdrawal and Luke will be left to play the rest of this round on his own.
"The first time he has ever withdrawn in 297 starts and he wouldn't have done it lightly, he certainly didn't look to.'
Dame Laura Davies, also on the Sky commentary team, agreed as she added: 'No, I think he was wresting with himself.
"He probably could have given up at any time, but you heard him say to his partner: 'I'm really sorry. I don't want you to play in a one-ball.'
"That's just how professional this guy is and it is such a shame. But, hopefully, he'll be ready to go next time.'
Spieth was excited for the tournament having been handed a sponsors invite to take part in the signature event.
As a former winner of the event eight years ago, he recounted his coolest moment in the game so far with the holed bunker shot to win the 2017 play-off.
He said: 'I have great memories here. I've had some mixed results, but coming in right now, I feel like it's a pretty important event for me.
"I feel like I've been moving the right direction after kind of essentially missing an off-season, trying to kind of get back into it.
"Every month's felt a little bit better. Structurally things are getting better. I'm seeing more consistent ball striking results.
"Just need to pour in some putts. It feels like I just need to stay the course and good things are coming.'
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