Davis Riley’s journey to becoming a professional golfer started with a memorable incident at the U.S. Junior Amateur championship in 2013. Only 16 years old at the time, Riley found himself in a difficult situation on the final hole of match play when his ball moved slightly after he addressed it. Admitting the rules violation to the officials and his opponent, Scottie Scheffler, Riley was penalized one stroke and ultimately lost the match. Despite the setback, Riley’s integrity and sportsmanship shined through.
Fast forward to 2022, and Riley is now a seasoned professional golfer competing in the Sanderson Farms Championship at The Country Club of Jackson. With his eyes set on the winner’s share of $1.368 million, Riley is determined to put past disappointments behind him and make a strong showing in his home state of Mississippi. Reflecting on his roots in Hattiesburg, where he honed his skills and dreamed of playing on the big stage, Riley is grateful for the opportunity to live out his childhood dreams.
Having turned professional in 2019, Riley’s journey has been marked by ups and downs, including qualifying for the U.S Open three times and tying for 13th in the 2022 PGA Championship. Despite facing fierce competition from top-ranked golfers like Scottie Scheffler and Will Zalatoris, Riley remains focused on his own game and continues to strive for excellence on the course. His determination and resilience have earned him respect and admiration from fans and fellow players alike.
The rivalry between Riley, Scheffler, and Zalatoris adds a fun and competitive element to their interactions on and off the golf course. While Riley may hear some friendly banter from his fellow Texas native, Zalatoris, about past matchups, he takes it all in stride and enjoys the camaraderie among his peers. As one of the top young talents in golf, Riley’s achievements, including two second-place finishes in the junior amateur championship, place him in the same league as legendary players like Tiger Woods and Jordan Spieth.
Returning to his hometown of Hattiesburg brings back fond memories for Riley, who recalls spending countless hours practicing at Canebrake Country Club and competing in high school tournaments at Presbyterian Christian School. These formative experiences shaped Riley’s love for the game and instilled in him a strong work ethic and competitive spirit that have propelled him to success at the professional level. While the pressure of performing in front of a home crowd adds an extra layer of challenge, Riley embraces the opportunity to showcase his skills and make his supporters proud.
As Riley tees off at the Sanderson Farms Championship alongside fellow Alabama alum Trey Mullinax and rising star Cameron Champ, he is focused on staying in the moment and executing his game plan to the best of his ability. With the support of his family, friends, and fans, Riley is determined to make the most of his opportunities on the PGA Tour and continue to pursue his dreams of competing at the highest level. As he navigates the challenges and triumphs of professional golf, Riley remains grounded in his values of hard work, integrity, and sportsmanship, setting an example for aspiring young golfers everywhere.
