Hunter Mahan, the professional golfer known for his six PGA Tour wins and three Ryder Cup appearances, made a surprising career change at the age of 39 by retiring from professional golf. He decided to become a high school golf coach near his hometown in Texas, where he can focus on family life with his four children and wife. Mahan expressed his contentment with this decision, citing that he enjoys being able to wake up in the same place every day and prioritize his family over the demanding travel and commitments of a professional golfer.
Despite no longer playing professionally, Mahan has no regrets about his decision and remains committed to his new role as a high school golf coach. He acknowledges the sacrifices and hard work required to play elite golf and admires players like Rickie Fowler and Keegan Bradley who manage to balance their professional careers with family life. While Mahan does not have plans to return to professional golf, he may consider taking up eligibility on the PGA Tour Champions when he turns 50, although he is content with his current role as a coach.
As Mahan reflects on his career in professional golf, he acknowledges the challenges and dedication required to succeed in the sport. He recognizes the difficulty of climbing the mountain twice in the competitive world of golf and commends fellow players for their resilience and determination. Mahan is grateful for the opportunities and experiences he had during his professional career but is content with his decision to focus on coaching and family life at this stage in his life.
Currently serving as the golf coach at Liberty Christian in Argyle, Texas, Mahan is embracing his new role as a leader and mentor to young golfers. He finds joy in guiding the next generation of players and helping them improve their skills and passion for the game. Mahan finds the challenge of creating a culture within the high school team to be fulfilling and enjoys watching his players progress and grow in their golfing journey.
In addition to coaching, Mahan is also involved in commentating on the game of golf for events like the Ryder Cup and media outlets like Sirius XM. He finds it refreshing to view the game from a different perspective and appreciates the opportunity to share his insights and experiences with others. Mahan maintains a positive outlook on his transition from professional player to coach and commentator, embracing the new challenges and opportunities that come with each role.
Mahan has also voiced his thoughts on issues within the golfing world, including the topic of Ryder Cup pay and his idea for college golfers to earn PGA Tour cards faster. As someone who has experienced both the amateur and professional sides of the sport, Mahan offers a unique perspective on how the game can evolve and improve for players at all levels. Overall, he remains passionate about golf and continues to find fulfillment in his various roles within the sport.
