Jason Caron’s tie for 32nd place at the 2023 Senior PGA Professional Championship paid off big time when he went on to finish tied for fourth at the 2024 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship. This unexpected success earned him a payday of $154,000 and secured him access to more PGA Tour Champions events. Despite a long history of playing on the Korn Ferry Tour and the PGA Tour, Caron had shifted to a career as a head pro at Mill River in Oyster Bay, New York before his recent resurgence in competitive golf.
The 52-year-old Caron’s success in the Charles Schwab Cup playoffs, including a tie for third place in a recent tournament, led to his qualification for the season finale at Phoenix Country Club. Making the final 36 in this event also earned him a tour card on the Champions tour for 2025. Caron’s perspective on his unexpected golf success has been one of gratitude and perspective, as he emphasizes the bonus nature of his current situation in comparison to his stable job at Mill River.
Caron’s focus remains on his role at Mill River, where he manages the golf shop and has found fulfillment outside of the golf course. Despite the temptations of full-time professional golf, Caron has no intention of leaving his club to pursue golf exclusively. His colleague Steven Alker, a former Cup series champion, recognizes Caron’s journey from club pro to competitive golfer as an inspiring one. Caron and Alker both experienced the struggles of maintaining status on the tour in their earlier years and have since found success.
The Charles Schwab Cup Championship presents an exciting opportunity for top golfers to compete over four rounds without a cut. The winner of the tournament is awarded the Charles Schwab Cup Championship title, while the overall season winner is named the Charles Schwab Cup champion. Caron’s unexpected rise in the senior golf ranks reflects the unpredictable nature of competitive golf and the potential for success even after years of challenges. Whether Caron will continue competing or return to his role at Mill River remains to be seen, but his experience serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of the sport.
