Charley Hoffman, now 48, continues to defy the odds on the PGA Tour. Facing younger competitors and battling a persistent back injury, Hoffman remains undeterred. His journey reached a high point at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, where he narrowly missed victory, falling to Nick Taylor on the second hole of a playoff. Despite the challenges, Hoffman secured three top-10 finishes in 24 starts last season, showcasing his enduring skill and determination.
Hoffman, a San Diego native, has long supported the Genesis Invitational's move to Torrey Pines. He is set to make his 27th start in this prestigious PGA Tour event, a testament to his lasting presence in professional golf. Reflecting on his past performance, Hoffman shared, "Obviously, last year in Phoenix I was competitive. The rest of it wasn't up to my liking, but this year obviously started off on the right foot, getting myself in contention."
The seasoned golfer tied for fifth at Torrey Pines with a 20-under score, just five strokes behind winner Sepp Straka. Hoffman's journey in golf began at 17 when he qualified for the 1994 Buick Invitational of California as a junior at Poway High School. This early start set the stage for a remarkable career, despite the physical toll it has taken on him over the years.
To combat his back issues, Hoffman assembled a dedicated team to improve his physical condition through weight lifting, cold tubs, and infrared saunas. His hard work bore fruit at last week's American Express at PGA West in La Quinta, California, highlighting his relentless drive to compete at the highest level.
Hoffman has built relationships beyond golf, notably with former Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh and former Buckeyes coach Urban Meyer. He attended an Ohio State practice in October 2023 and has embraced Ohio State as his favorite college football team. Among his friends is Buckeyes coach Ryan Day, further deepening his connection to the team.
Jason Day, a fellow golfer, expressed admiration for Hoffman's perseverance. "It's amazing to see how many times you can get gut punched and then get up and rally the troops again and keep going," Day remarked. "That's inspiring to see because if you've ever been to Columbus, Ohio, Ohio State football is the thing there. It is a religion."
Day also noted Hoffman's success and dedication to improving his performance: "It was nice to be able to see his success." He praised Hoffman's ability to inspire others both on and off the field. "I must admit I will say to all the people that were calling for his head, I'm like, 'Come on,'" Day commented.
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