Tim O’Neal, a professional golfer whose career was once severely crippled by adversity, represents an incredible comeback to the game that he never should’ve turned his back on. Public perception nearly derailed O’Neal’s dream, but he overcame this adversity to achieve greatness. Now, he’s looking forward to fresh start 2.0 as he heads into a week of competition at the U.S. Senior Open in Colorado Springs. His story is proof of the power of faith, grit, perseverance and excellence that embodies a golfer who never quit on himself or on the course.
For O’Neal, his lowest point in his professional career came in 2008. He subsequently earned only $10,000 that year, making nine cuts in 13 events and losing his tour status. This mix of fiscal malaise and regret for lost chances took a toll. His world was shattered and by 2011, he had the heart-breaking choice to release golf. He confided this decision to his mother, Eva O’Neal, who counseled him to keep chasing what he loves.
“I had trouble paying my mortgage and didn’t really know what to do and how I was going to do it,” O’Neal reflected on those challenging times. His dire financial situation sometimes forced him to double up on hotel rooms with other golfers. To keep costs down, he would often select a smaller carry bag instead of his staff bag to save on overweight baggage charges.
Through these adversities, O’Neal’s passion for golf did not die. In 2015, he returned with a vengeance just as strong. He made it through local qualifying all the way to the U.S. Open at Chambers Bay in Washington. This accomplishment brought his love for the game back to life.
O’Neal’s story took a key direction once he started playing on the Advocates Professional Golf Association (APGA) tour. He achieved three event victories during the season, which proved vital in his confidence-building efforts. His election win in Morocco was a tipping point for him. It renewed his self-confidence and propelled him to greater success on the APGA tour.
“It’s very seldom you see talent like this come along,” said Jim Headrick, who recognized O’Neal’s potential during this period of resurgence. His first-round 65 at the Dominion Energy Charity Classic capped off his comeback narrative.
His most impactful moment as a player came when he ended up in a three-way tie for third place at Q-school. That incredible feat earned him full-fledged PGA Tour Champions status at 50 years of age. The field was loaded down with talent, 150 players competing for only 25 spots. “You go to Q-school with the goal to get one of those PGA Tour cards,” O’Neal explained, highlighting the pressure inherent in such high-stakes situations.
The pressure you’re under in that scenario, it’s difficult to describe,” he continued. O’Neal didn’t give up, fueled by his passion for the sport.
O’Neal prepares for his first U.S. Senior Open appearance. Here’s what he says about the amazing support and fierce champions he’s had along his journey. Smith became his patron during his serious life challenges in 2008, when he needed support the most, helping him to navigate through that rough period. His teammate Keion Witherspoon expressed pride in O’Neal’s achievements: “I watched both of those tournaments on TV and it hurt me, so I can’t even imagine how much it hurt him.”
O’Neal is quick to sprinkle a few grains of salt on the newfound success. His mother, Eva, wouldn’t hear of it, reassuring him that he had the talent to go all the way with, “You’re too good to give up. It was this unshakeable encouragement that would be his pillar on the road back to the pros circuit.
For the course of his career, O’Neal has learned under legendary coach Butch Harmon, who was Tiger Woods’ coach in the 90s. This kind of guidance has made all the difference in helping him hone his craft and free him up to tackle challenges yet to come.
As O’Neal embarks on this new chapter of his golfing career, he remains focused on achieving excellence on the course. “I’m out there trying to beat you, just like you’re trying to beat me,” he stated confidently when discussing competition.
Randy Watkins, a longtime champion of O’Neal’s journey, reflected on the strength it takes to even get through that suffering. “If you like golf and go through the things Tim did, you might go find something else to do,” he noted. If you’re a golfer, you endure the blows and chastisement and you persist. He’s the ultimate embodiment of what you can achieve through life if you are 110 percent committed.
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