AUGUSTA, Ga. — For Paul Pearman, a 64-year-old Augusta resident, Masters week usually means a constant stream of visitors. But one Friday night, the visitor was particularly unexpected: Bryson DeChambeau.
Pearman, an artist with a home filled with eclectic creations, is known locally and is an avid golfer himself. He even built a top-notch putting green in his backyard, complete with bright lights.
These lights inadvertently acted as a beacon, attracting one of golf`s top players.
Returning home on Friday evening and turning on the green`s lights, Pearman noticed a group approaching. As the green lit up, they turned towards his house. They had been drawn in by the illuminated green.
“`You guys play golf?`” Pearman asked.
“`Hi, I`m Bryson DeChambeau,`” one of them responded from the shadows.
Pearman jokingly replied, “`Nice to meet you, I`m Jack Nicklaus,`” expecting a casual golfer.
But when the guest stepped into the light, it was indeed Bryson DeChambeau. “`Oh,`” Pearman exclaimed, surprised.
DeChambeau, who performed strongly on Saturday at the Masters, ending up in the final group, was preparing for a crucial round. He is known for his wedge play, and it seems he was seeking extra practice, even late at night in a stranger`s backyard.
DeChambeau practiced with his wedges on Pearman`s green under the night sky. Pearman described the scene as golf balls seemingly falling from above like from a blimp.
He even used Pearman`s unique putter, a large Lucite block, jokingly described as something you might win as “employee of the month.”
Pearman excitedly told his wife, Michele, “Get up! Bryson`s in the backyard.”
Michele was initially skeptical, but quickly became charmed by DeChambeau`s politeness, especially towards their Rottweiler.
DeChambeau is known for his dedication to golf, often practicing late and using technology to analyze his game. He even experiments with unconventional methods, like practicing with unusual clubs.
Pearman was curious why DeChambeau was exploring Augusta late at night. DeChambeau confessed he couldn`t sleep, seeking a place to practice.
Pearman himself is an interesting character, holding a Guinness World Record for skateboarding and black belts in kickboxing. He also creates art, including belt buckles worn by notable figures in golf.
His backyard green is far from ordinary, boasting a sophisticated drainage system and undulations that impressed DeChambeau.
DeChambeau remarked on the green`s unique design, noting that most home greens are smaller and less complex.
Pearman appreciates DeChambeau`s dedication and innovative approach to golf. He witnessed firsthand DeChambeau`s relentless pursuit of improvement, even in unexpected locations.
The next day, Pearman and friends watched DeChambeau perform well at the Masters, attributing some of his success to the backyard practice session. Michele jokingly suggested she might cry if DeChambeau didn`t win.
Pearman concluded that perhaps his “lucky” backyard, filled with four-leaf clovers, played a part in DeChambeau`s success.
DeChambeau, when asked about avoiding burnout, emphasized the importance of relaxation and enjoying himself outside of golf, which includes spontaneous practice sessions in backyards when inspiration strikes.
Marcus Blakely