Jean Van de Velde, the former European and PGA Tour pro, has found himself at Punta Mita Golf Club, a serene oceanside resort in Nayarit, Mexico. Despite being synonymous with one of the most unforgettable and shattering meltdowns in sports history at the 1999 Open Championship, Van de Velde has found bliss in his role as the director of instruction at Punta Mita Golf Club. His infamous runner-up finish at the Open Championship did not define his career, as he went on to represent Europe in the 1999 Ryder Cup and achieve unexpected wins in his post-playing career.
Van de Velde reflects on his journey to Punta Mita, Mexico, which began with a desire for a change of scenery after living in Spain. His wife being Mexican led him to move to Mexico City before eventually settling in the paradise of Punta Mita. Despite the picturesque surroundings, Van de Velde credits the community at Punta Mita for his decision to stay. His typical day revolves around teaching five hours of lessons at the golf course, with additional interests in running golf academies in Paris and Morocco, a wine business, promoting golf tournaments, and architecture.
The golf legend’s wine business, Wines of Golf Legends, stemmed from his passion for wine, which he was introduced to at a young age by his parents. The business features wines linked to golf legends like Olazábal, Constantino Rocca, Bernhard Langer, Laura Davies, Lorena Ochoa, Michael Campbell, and Ian Woosnam. Despite their busy lives, Van de Velde and his friends in the wine business enjoy getting together to indulge in their shared love for wine. Reflecting on his pro golf career, Van de Velde acknowledges that while he loves the challenge of golf, he grew tired of the constant travel and being away from home, prompting him to explore new ventures.
Through his golf career, Van de Velde learned resilience, hard work, and the importance of perseverance, qualities that have shaped his approach to his post-playing career. He emphasizes the value of focusing on the journey rather than the outcome, as it allows for personal growth and development. Van de Velde expresses contentment with where he is today, grateful for the opportunities golf has provided and the ability to communicate his passion for the game to others through teaching. While he plays golf sparingly, Van de Velde continues to commentate for French broadcaster Canal+ during major golf events.
Looking to the future, Van de Velde hopes to continue growing older in a healthy manner and embracing new challenges. He values the element of surprise and remains open to being amazed by new experiences. Van de Velde’s journey from a heartbreaking collapse at the 1999 Open to finding fulfillment in teaching golf at Punta Mita serves as a testament to his resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
