By Harvey Silverman, Contributor, Golf Business | Silverback Golf Marketing
I will take a step away from the business of golf as we end what looks to be another record year, providing proof that golf has sustained its popularity post-COVID. I wish all of my readers a happy and healthy holiday and continued success in 2025. May everything you buy not be tariffed.
Like many, I initially viewed the ‘grow the game’ initiatives with a hint of cynicism. It wasn’t that I doubted the good intentions behind these efforts. It’s just that their impact wasn’t always clear or easily measured. Then, COVID-19 struck, and suddenly, everyone was claiming success. It seemed that one of the unintended side effects of the pandemic was a boost to some large egos.
My approach was different. I seized a unique opportunity to support a young professional golfer, the son of a long-time client with a stellar high school and college career. I was curious to see if my modest involvement could contribute to his growth in the game and propel him to a higher level. And if he succeeded, I would proudly add him to my list of winners. This is how I satisfy my ego. 
My ego has been fed. My golfer, Davis Bryant, just earned his DP World Tour player’s card, placing third in its grueling Q-School competition. Davis played 252 holes of golf in Sweden and Spain, emerging from a group of nearly 1000 who began the process where only 21 reached their goal. Davis was two strokes shy of a name you’ll recognize – Edoardo Molinari, and the highest-ranked American.
Davis Bryant’s story is one of resilience and personal growth. The son of Matt Bryant, PGA GM of Green Valley Ranch Golf Club in Denver, and his wife Julie, the Executive Director of the First Tee of Green Valley Ranch, of which Davis is an alumnus. He was born 14 weeks premature, 1 pound, 10 ounces, and spent the first three months of his life in a neonatal ICU that included heart surgery on his second day of life. (His sister Emma, a Denver University golf team senior, was born on the same day three years later and seven weeks premature). Despite these early challenges, Davis has grown into a fighter, a grinder; a young man living his dream and loving life. His journey is a testament to the power of the human spirit and the qualities that attract supporters like me.
Davis met early failures with character, maturity, and aplomb. Sometimes, it was just a stroke or two that left him on the outside looking in, like at the U.S. Amateur. But every month, he sends a detailed email to his supporters with last month’s results, good and bad, and links to his upcoming schedule. The messages are well-written and always upbeat, and end with another thank you for our support. Classy.
We’ve all heard the stories of early pros traveling in car caravans from one tournament to the next. It’s a lifestyle that almost cost Ben Hogan his life. Today’s young pros face a different set of challenges. They must meticulously plan their schedules and budget every penny, all while dealing with limited resources. They’re not flying on private jets or enjoying a NetJets subscription. When they do fly, they endure the stress of ensuring their clubs arrive at their destination, avoiding the fate of East Tennessee State’s golf team. Bryant has traveled to 31 events in 2024, chasing his dream, including trips to Morocco, Sweden, Spain, and 14 states.
Among those 31 stops are three victories: Platte Valley Pro-AM, Wyoming Open, and the Inspirato Colorado Open, which he won on his home course, Green Valley Ranch Golf Club.
I was not aware of all of the professional tours and events held around the country that gained little notice below the levels of the PGA Tour and Korn Ferry Tour (for men). Pursuing playing at the highest levels and the singularity of the sport creates a nomadic lifestyle, making a homeboy like me appreciate the effort and dedication needed to succeed. Other major sports have minor leagues with teams (college is football’s minor league) that are managed, scheduled, housed, paid, and moved with little or no effort by team players. Golf gives the golfer a unique and maximum responsibility to manage the career objectives with some help from supporters like me. Bryant’s professional business plan presentation struck me as intelligent, organized, and responsible, coupled with a personal commitment.
So that’s my story. I have a greater understanding and appreciation for a talent that transcends a local practice range and can blossom into a rewarding, globetrotting career across fairways and greens most of us will never see or play. I’m proud to play a micro part in growing a macro game. See you next month at the 2025 Golf Business Conference in Orlando.