In a bold move reflecting both confidence and introspection, golfer Max Homa decided to take matters into his own hands on Monday as he sought to turn his season around. After slipping out of the top 60 in the Official World Golf Rankings, the six-time PGA Tour champion faced the pressing need to earn his spot in the upcoming U.S. Open through a 36-hole qualifying tournament. This time, however, he opted to carry his own bag, a departure from the norm that spoke volumes about his current mental approach to the game.
After a disappointing finish, shooting a 77 in the final round of the Memorial Tournament, Homa arrived at Kinsale Fitness Club in Columbus, Ohio, without his usual caddie. When asked about this unorthodox decision, Homa offered a glimpse into his mindset: “It seems to be better when someone is not standing next to me, for some reason. So I might just need to walk by myself more.” This statement reflects a deeper journey of mental adjustment, as Homa looked to regain his rhythm in a sport that can be as psychological as it is physical.
Despite a valiant effort that saw him almost secure a playoff position, Homa fell short, finishing with back-to-back bogeys that forced him into a tense playoff scramble for the sixth and final qualifying spot. Fellow Tour pro Cameron Young narrowly edged out Homa, as well as Rickie Fowler and two others, claiming that coveted position for the U.S. Open, which is set to take place at Oakmont Country Club near Pittsburgh in a couple of weeks.
Homa was once comfortably nestled inside the top 60 at the start of the year, a stature that would have ensured automatic qualification for the U.S. Open. However, following a streak of missed cuts and a parting of ways with his longtime caddie, Joe Greiner, before the Masters, Homa entered this qualifying tournament with a renewed sense of urgency.
Arriving at the event, Homa’s new caddie, Bill Harke, was absent, and the golfer was less than eager to delve into the details of his decision-making process following his tough outing. “I haven’t carried my bag 36 holes in a while, so a little tired,” he noted, subtly revealing the physical toll of his choice without losing sight of the broader narrative — one of a competitor wrestling with expectations and the desire to refocus.
Now, Homa faces one final opportunity to qualify for the U.S. Open at this week’s RBC Canadian Open. To secure a spot, he will likely need to win the tournament, an outcome that would mark a significant turnaround in what has been a challenging season thus far. As he prepares for this critical moment, eyes will be on Homa not just for his performance, but for how he continues to reshape his journey on the course.
