News
Pro Qualifies for Event After Living Out of His Car for Months

America loves the underdog! Let’s be honest, these are the guys we all tend to root for! This is a story of just that. A guy who was homeless and lived out of his car, had to continuously try to Monday qualify, but NEVER gave up on his dream. This golfer is named Mike Sweeney and he will do just about everything to stay on the path toward earning a career on the PGA Tour. The ultimate underdog!
Sweeney is a Connecticut native who didn’t play college golf, ran out of cash a couple of years ago, and now works in the cart barn at The Florida Club in Stuart, Fla. To frame this properly – This is the guy that pulls your golf cart up when you check into your tee time and then cleans your clubs after the round. He is also the guy who just qualified for a Korn Ferry Tour event and went on to make an ACE in that very event. Yep, same guy…
He Monday qualified in remarkable Sweeny-Like fashion—holing out a bunker shot for eagle on the 18th hole to shoot 64 and then emerge from a playoff. “Golf is such a wave of emotions,” Sweeney said. “You’ll have so many ups and so many downs, just try to ride the ups and stay positive during the downs.”
There was yet another “up” for Sweeney on Friday at The Ledges in Huntsville, Ala., where the HomeTown Lenders Championship has been reduced to 54 holes because of fog and bad weather on Thursday. After starting his first round on the 10th hole with a birdie, Sweeney arrived at the muscular, 230-yard 13th, pulled a 3-iron, and made an ace.
Thankfully, it was caught by somebody with a phone from the tee box, because there doesn’t appear to be a soul by the green. At least, not until Sweeney arrived to retrieve his ball from the cup. On the video, we can hear somebody say in a heavy Southern drawl, “We missed it; got to go back and do it again!”
Good stuff, and at the time, Sweeney was tied for the lead at three under after only five holes. Alas, he’d come back down to earth on the rest of the front nine at the time of this post, with a double bogey at 17 and bogey at 18. Those would be the “downs,” but Sweeney already has his share of stories to tell from this week. It was a pleasure to tell the world of your story Mike – keep on keepin’ on!

In the ever-evolving world of professional golf, few rivalries capture the contrast of style and substance like Scottie Scheffler versus Bryson DeChambeau. While both have claimed massive wins and global headlines, their paths to success and how they play the game couldn’t be more different. Here’s a deep dive into their strengths, weaknesses, career highlights, and what makes each stand out in today’s competitive landscape.
Backgrounds and Styles
Scottie Scheffler
The Dallas-born Scheffler embodies a classic, workmanlike approach to golf. Known for his calm demeanor, efficient swing, and remarkable consistency, Scheffler has risen to the top of the world rankings with little flash but elite-level substance. His game is built on balance, precision, and one of the most reliable tee-to-green performances the sport has seen in years.
Bryson DeChambeau
Nicknamed “The Scientist,” DeChambeau has taken an analytical and experimental approach to the game. He’s redefined physical fitness in golf, adding serious bulk to increase driving distance. Known for using single-length irons and obsessing over launch angles and biomechanics, Bryson is a true disruptor. His aggressive style polarizes fans and analysts, but it undeniably commands attention.
Strengths
Scheffler
- Tee-to-Green Excellence: Leads the PGA Tour in strokes gained tee-to-green.
- Consistency: Rarely misses cuts and often finishes in the top 10.
- Short Game: Exceptional touch and creativity around the greens.
- Mental Game: Composed under pressure; rarely rattled.
DeChambeau
- Driving Distance: One of the longest hitters in the game; regularly over 320 yards.
- Innovation: Willing to take unconventional approaches for marginal gains.
- Power Play: Dominates par 5s and shortens long courses with his length.
- Confidence: Self-belief and boldness to attempt shots most won’t.
Weaknesses
Scheffler
- Putting: Historically his weakest stat, though he’s shown improvement.
- Media Presence: More reserved; lacks the big personality that moves the needle for fans and brands.
DeChambeau
- Inconsistency: Can be volatile—either dominating or struggling.
- Course Management: Aggressiveness sometimes leads to trouble.
- Injury Risk: His physical transformation has come with some health setbacks.
Biggest Wins
Scottie Scheffler
- The Masters (2022)
- The Players Championship (2023)
- Multiple WGC and Signature Events
As of 2025, Scheffler has claimed over 10 PGA Tour titles and continues to rack up top finishes in majors and elite events.
Bryson DeChambeau
- U.S. Open (2020)
- Arnold Palmer Invitational (2021)
- Multiple LIV Golf Wins
DeChambeau made headlines by joining LIV Golf, where he’s claimed multiple high-stakes victories, including a team championship and a dominant individual LIV win in 2023.
Career Earnings
Scheffler:
Over $50 million in PGA Tour earnings alone, with additional income from endorsements like Nike, TaylorMade, and Rolex.
DeChambeau:
Estimated $60–$80 million, largely boosted by a reported $100+ million LIV Golf contract and additional prize money. His endorsements have shifted due to his controversial LIV move, but he remains a marketable figure.
Similarities
Both are U.S.-born and played collegiate golf (Scheffler at Texas, DeChambeau at SMU).
Each has reached the top 10 in the Official World Golf Ranking.
Both have won majors and represented the U.S. in Ryder Cups.
Each has shown a willingness to be different—Scheffler through quiet dominance, DeChambeau through outspoken innovation.
Key Differences
Trait | Scottie Scheffler | Bryson DeChambeau |
---|---|---|
Playing Style | Traditional, consistent | Aggressive, experimental |
Physical Transformation | Minimal | Extreme (bulk and strength) |
Equipment | Standard setup | Single-length irons |
Public Persona | Reserved, grounded | Outspoken, controversial |
Tour Affiliation | PGA Tour loyalist | LIV Golf convert |
Final Thoughts
Scheffler and DeChambeau represent two archetypes in modern golf: one a quiet technician, the other a showman scientist. Whether you admire Scottie’s stoic efficiency or Bryson’s radical reinvention, both are changing the game in their own way. And in a sport where individuality meets performance, there’s room—and demand—for both.

Fun Fact: In 2020 and 2021, the Par 3 Contest was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, making its return in 2022 all the more cherished by players and fans alike.
Every April, as azaleas bloom and the eyes of the golf world turn to Augusta, one beloved tradition kicks off the festivities with charm, smiles, and a dose of superstition: The Masters Par 3 Contest.
Since its inception in 1960, the Par 3 Contest has been a lighthearted prelude to one of the most prestigious events in golf. Held the Wednesday before the first round of The Masters, this fan-favorite exhibition takes place on a 9-hole course nestled within the Augusta National grounds. Though its tone is far more relaxed than the main event, the Par 3 Contest is steeped in its own rich history and lore.
A Legacy of Fun (and Family)
The idea was the brainchild of legendary Augusta National Chairman Clifford Roberts, who envisioned a more casual, fan-friendly event that would complement the seriousness of the tournament itself. The course, designed by George Cobb in collaboration with Roberts, features holes ranging from 70 to 140 yards, wrapping around a series of picturesque ponds and creeks.
What sets the contest apart is the joy. It’s not uncommon to see legends of the game handing off putters to their grandkids or teeing off with their children. Many players invite their families to serve as caddies, often clad in the iconic white Augusta jumpsuits. These moments create some of the week’s most heartwarming and viral images—tiny toddlers sinking putts, Hall of Famers laughing with their spouses, and multi-generational bonding that transcends the game itself.
Star Power and Special Moments
Over the years, the Par 3 Contest has produced unforgettable highlights. In 2008, Gary Player, at 73 years old, aced the 7th hole. In 2015, Jack Nicklaus hit a hole-in-one at the age of 75—adding to a staggering total of over 100 aces recorded during the event’s history.
It’s also become an informal showcase of golf’s greatest legends. In many years past, you might see Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Gary Player—collectively known as the “Big Three”—sharing laughs and swinging side by side. Today, stars like Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Jordan Spieth keep the spirit alive, bringing their kids, friends, or even celebrities along for the ride.
The Par 3 Curse
Despite the fun, there’s one unspoken truth players know all too well: No winner of the Par 3 Contest has ever gone on to win The Masters in the same year.
Call it superstition or coincidence, but many contenders intentionally avoid trying too hard to win the Wednesday event. They’ll joke about laying up on par-3s or missing short putts on purpose. For those laser-focused on the green jacket, taking home the crystal trophy from Wednesday might feel like a kiss of death.
More Than Just a Sideshow
While it’s technically an exhibition, the Par 3 Contest captures something that often gets lost in elite competition: pure joy. It’s a chance for players to breathe, fans to connect, and Augusta National to showcase its softer side. In an event known for its rigid traditions and rules, this one feels like a sweet exhale before the storm.
Whether it’s a child’s first swing, a legend’s final walk, or a spontaneous hole-in-one, the Par 3 Contest continues to add magic to Masters week—reminding us all that golf, at its heart, is a game to be enjoyed.
Final Thoughts
The Masters Par 3 Contest might not crown a green jacket winner, but it wins hearts year after year. It’s living proof that in a sport built on precision and patience, there’s still plenty of room for fun, family, and a little bit of luck.

Golf attire has undergone significant transformations over the centuries, evolving from formal, restrictive clothing to today’s stylish, performance-oriented apparel.

Before 1920
Originating in the cold, windy landscapes of Scotland, early golfers dressed primarily for warmth and protection. Typical attire included full tweed suits, often accompanied by waistcoats and neckties. Knickers, resembling knee breeches, were common, paired with high socks and sturdy leather shoes. Hats varied from pork-pie styles to wide-brimmed designs. While functional against harsh weather, this layered clothing restricted movement, impacting players’ swings.

1920s – 1960s
As golf gained popularity in the United States, attire began to reflect contemporary fashion trends. The 1920s introduced plus-fours—knickers extending four inches below the knee—paired with two-toned shirts and, occasionally, ties. In cooler conditions, players opted for knitted wool cardigans or Norfolk jackets. The 1930s saw a shift to lighter fabrics, with short-sleeved knitted shirts and slacks becoming common. Outerwear like the Eisenhower jacket and cardigan sweaters with bell-shaped sleeves allowed greater freedom of movement. Footwear evolved to feature sturdy leather shoes with spikes, enhancing grip on the course.

1960s – 2000
The 1960s marked a departure from muted tones, embracing vibrant colors such as greens, blues, and reds. Bold tops contrasted with lighter trousers or shorts, reflecting the era’s fashion sensibilities. Public figures like President John F. Kennedy popularized “Go to Hell” pants—colorful, shorter trousers in eye-catching hues. Recognizing the growing market, brands like FootJoy, Adidas, Nike, Polo Golf Ralph Lauren, and Ashworth launched dedicated golf apparel lines. However, endorsements by celebrity players remained understated during this period.

Since 2000
By the late 1990s, golf had cemented its status among top U.S. sports, leading to lucrative endorsements and a surge in golf club memberships. The game’s evolving dynamics emphasized athleticism, precision, and speed, necessitating advancements in attire. Lightweight, comfortable, and elegant clothing became the norm. Colorful, collared cotton T-shirts paired with tan or khaki shorts or trousers dominated the fairways. Headwear transitioned to pork-pie shapes and baseball caps, while footwear saw a shift from traditional leather to sporty designs from brands like Nike and Adidas.

After 2010
The past decade has witnessed a significant shift in golf fashion, influenced by broader cultural trends and technological advancements. The rise of athleisure blurred the lines between sportswear and casual wear, leading to the incorporation of jogger-style pants, hoodies, and stretchy, moisture-wicking materials in golf attire. Brands like Lululemon and Under Armour introduced high-performance golf wear suitable both on and off the course. Collaborations with streetwear labels injected a youthful energy into the sport, attracting a new generation of players. Additionally, sustainability became a focal point, with companies like Reflo producing apparel from recycled materials, reflecting a growing environmental consciousness among consumers. citeturn0search26

This evolution of golf attire mirrors the sport’s journey from its traditional roots to a modern, inclusive game that embraces both style and functionality.
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