John Parry: The Resilient Veteran Shining at the WM Phoenix Open

There’s a certain expectation that comes with the cheers and roars at TPC Scottsdale, but when John Parry made his birdie putt on the 16th hole, the response was muted. The crowd’s buzz didn’t seem to belong solely to him; rather, it resonated like something borrowed from the Zurich Classic or another high-stakes event.

As Parry tossed his ball into the crowd, only a few hands reached up to catch it. It was a nostalgic moment that obscured the rich story behind this 39-year-old golfer. If fans knew about Parry’s journey—his trials and triumphs—they might have offered a more enthusiastic response as he stepped onto the 17th tee.

A Breakout at the WM Phoenix Open

Through the first two rounds of the WM Phoenix Open, Parry has emerged as one of the tournament’s surprising stars. Currently sitting at 7-under par, he finds himself tied for fifth place alongside notable competitors, including Matt Fitzpatrick, the 2022 U.S. Open champion.

While Fitzpatrick basked in glory at Brookline, Parry was competing in the Blot Open de Bretagne, a third-tier event in rural France, where the prize money of €40,000 is roughly equivalent to finishing T53 at the U.S. Open.

This trajectory reflects a larger narrative within the PGA Tour. On any given Friday, there’s often a surprise name at the top of the leaderboard—a newcomer trying to make their mark in professional golf. However, it’s essential to recognize that Parry’s story extends far beyond that of a typical upstart.

A Long Journey to the PGA Tour

Despite being a rookie this season, Parry carries the experience of nearly two decades in professional golf on his shoulders. His gray-streaked beard symbolizes the lessons learned throughout his career—a reminder that not every player reaches the top like Scottie Scheffler or Rory McIlroy.

“Not everyone is Scottie Scheffler or Rory McIlroy,” Parry states with a thick Yorkshire accent, illustrating his acceptance of the sport’s realities.

Parry’s Humble Beginnings

• Turned Pro: Joined the professional circuit at 21 years old.
• Challenge Tour: Advanced to the Challenge Tour within two years.
• European Tour Rise: By age 24, he was a regular on the European Tour, participating in 35 events and making 22 cuts.

Parry’s initial success led him to win his first event, pocketing over €400,000 in prize money over a two-week span.

However, the journey wasn’t a straight path; he faced significant struggles after a promising start. For the next five years, his performance fluctuated, often hovering at the margins of the European Tour.

Setbacks and Struggles

2017 was a particularly tough year for Parry—he made only 3 of 17 cuts, earning a meager €30,705. This marked the beginning of a downward spiral as he lost his European Tour status, ultimately finding himself on the now-defunct EuroPro Tour, where he earned just €13,999 in 2019.

“I completely lost my game,” he confesses, unable to fathom why his performance had deteriorated.

Adding to the stress, mounting financial obligations loomed over him, prompting moments of pride that prevented him from confiding in his family about his struggles.

Finding Solid Ground Again

Through determination, Parry set the stage for his comeback. In 2021, he reunited with his first coach and finished fifth on the EuroPro Tour, which earned him a spot back on the Challenge Tour.

The following year, he made a successful return to the European Tour—now known as the DP World Tour—after a five-year break. Though challenges persisted in 2023, his progress landed him in the professional spotlight as a PGA Tour rookie.

In his nascent PGA Tour career, Parry has already demonstrated growth and resilience. In his first three starts of the season, he has secured finishes of 19th, 56th, and 43rd, collectively earning more prize money than he did in all of 2019.

Looking Ahead

As he prepares for the final rounds of the WM Phoenix Open, Parry is focused on addressing his performance issues. He collaborated with specialists from Ping, adjusting his driver to mitigate a persistent slice.

Regardless of how this weekend unfolds, the challenging experiences have become an integral part of Parry’s story, defining his character as he strives to reach his goals.

“I try to look after my money a bit better,” Parry chuckles, a testament to his learned wisdom.

As the WM Phoenix Open continues, golf fans across the globe will keep an eye on John Parry, a resilient veteran whose journey speaks volumes about the highs and lows of professional golf. Whether or not he claims victory, his story is one of perseverance, encapsulating the true spirit of the sport.