AUGUSTA, Ga. — Masters week in Augusta is usually a non-stop party for Paul Pearman, a 64-year-old lifelong resident who has seen it all.
Pearman, an artist with an eclectic home-museum on Lake Olmstead, is often at the center of the local Masters festivities. He`s knowledgeable about Augusta National`s history and, as an avid golfer, even built a top-notch, brightly lit putting green in his backyard.
This bright green acted like a signal, attracting a world-class golfer.
On Friday night, Pearman returned home and turned on the green`s lights. He noticed a group walking across a nearby bridge and saw them turn towards his house, drawn by the illuminated green. They approached and greeted Pearman.
`Do you guys play golf?` he asked.
`Hi, I`m Bryson DeChambeau,` one of them replied from the driveway`s edge.
Pearman jokingly responded, `Nice to meet you, I`m Jack Nicklaus.`
Then DeChambeau stepped into the light, and Pearman realized it was indeed him. `Oh,` Pearman said, `I`m not really Jack Nicklaus.`
DeChambeau, who scored a 69 on Saturday to join Rory McIlroy in the final group, is only two strokes behind and in contention for his third major and first green jacket. His wedge play has been exceptional, leading the field in strokes gained around the green. This might be partly due to his impromptu practice session in an Augusta backyard the night before.
At Pearman`s, DeChambeau practiced with 72-degree wedges, sending balls high into the night sky.
`It looked like a Goodyear Blimp was dropping golf balls onto the flags,` Pearman described.
He also used Pearman`s `Liberace putter,` a large Lucite block with a soap-like head.
`Like those cheesy things with a scorpion inside,` Pearman joked. `Something you`d win as employee of the month.`
Pearman rushed inside to tell his wife, Michele, to change out of her pajamas. `Get up! Bryson`s in the backyard.`
Skeptical, she replied, `You`re full of s—.`
But she was surprised to find it was true. Michele was charmed by DeChambeau`s politeness, especially towards their Rottweiler, Rosie. `He was so sweet,` she said. `He introduced himself, shook my hand, and was very friendly with Rosie, who loved it.`
DeChambeau is known for his unique approach to golf. At tournaments, he often practices late into the evening, using launch monitors even on putting greens. He`s also a YouTuber, unafraid to experiment, sometimes to the bemusement of other pros.
This includes refining his short game with found clubs at a backyard green.
Pearman was curious why DeChambeau was wandering Augusta so late, discovering a practice spot by chance. DeChambeau admitted he couldn`t sleep. `I don`t blame you,` Pearman responded.
Pearman`s interesting personality has brought him notable acquaintances. In 1989, he broke Tony Alva`s Guinness skateboard jump record. He`s a third-degree black belt and amateur kickboxing champion. He also crafts mosaics and belt buckles, popular among musicians and celebrities.
Rory Sabbatini and Augusta National marker Jeff Knox have worn Pearman`s belt buckles.
His backyard green is exceptional, measuring 71 by 41 feet with a sophisticated drainage system. `It`s likely the largest artificial green in town,` Pearman stated.
He intentionally added undulations to keep it challenging, which impressed DeChambeau.
`This is really cool,` DeChambeau remarked. `Usually, they`re small and flat.`
Pearman, as an artist, appreciates DeChambeau`s dedication to improving his game and equipment. He witnessed DeChambeau, after countless range shots at Augusta National, seeking further refinement in his backyard.
It seems this impromptu practice might have paid off.
The next day, Pearman and friends watched DeChambeau birdie the first hole from 45 feet. Later, they saw him birdie three of the last four holes, including a 48-footer on the 18th, securing his place in the final group with momentum for Sunday.
`I might cry if Bryson doesn`t win tomorrow,` Michele admitted.
Paul mentioned his yard`s abundance of four-leaf clovers. `It`s just lucky out here, man,` he said. `Apparently, one lesson was all it took.`
After his successful Saturday round and Friday night practice, DeChambeau explained his approach to avoiding burnout.
`The most important thing is to relax and have fun,` he said. `Hanging out with friends and family, just being myself. The more I can be myself, the longer I can sustain this.`
