AUGUSTA, Ga. — For Paul Pearman, a 64-year-old Augusta local, Masters week is synonymous with constant celebration. Having lived in Augusta his entire life, he`s experienced the tournament`s vibrant atmosphere year after year.
Pearman, a unique artist residing in a museum-like home on Lake Olmstead, often finds himself at the heart of the festivities. He`s deeply knowledgeable about Augusta`s history, especially the local legends surrounding Augusta National. As a passionate golfer, he even constructed a top-tier putting green in his backyard, complete with impressive lighting.
The green`s bright illumination became an unexpected beacon, attracting a world-renowned golfer.
One Friday evening, Pearman returned home and switched on the lights. He noticed a group approaching across a nearby bridge and saw them turn towards his house as the putting green lit up. They walked over and greeted him.
`Do you guys play golf?` Pearman inquired.
`Hi, I`m Bryson DeChambeau,` one of the figures responded from the shadowed driveway.
Pearman playfully replied, `Nice to meet you, I`m Jack Nicklaus.`
As his guest stepped into the light, Pearman realized it was indeed Bryson DeChambeau. `Oh,` he admitted, `I`m not really Jack Nicklaus.`
DeChambeau, who scored a 69 on Saturday, placing him in the final group with Rory McIlroy, is just two strokes behind McIlroy. He is in contention to secure his third major title and first green jacket. His wedge play has been exceptional, leading the field in strokes gained around the green. This might be partly attributed to his impromptu practice session in an Augusta backyard the night before a crucial round.
At Pearman`s home, DeChambeau practiced with 72-degree wedges, sending shots high into the night sky.
`It looked like a Goodyear Blimp was overhead, dropping golf balls onto the flags,` Pearman described.
DeChambeau also experimented with Pearman`s `Liberace putter,` a large, clear Lucite block with a head resembling a bar of soap.
`Like those novelty items with a scorpion inside,` Pearman joked. `The kind of thing you might win as employee of the month.`
Pearman rushed inside to tell his wife, Michele, to get out of her pajamas. `Get up! Bryson`s in the backyard.`
`You`re kidding me,` she initially responded.
But it was true. Michele recounted instantly liking DeChambeau, impressed by his politeness to everyone, even their Rottweiler. `He was so kind,` she said. `He introduced himself, shook my hand. And he was very friendly with Rosie, who loved the attention.`
DeChambeau is known for his unique approach in golf. At tournaments, he often practices late into the evening after his rounds. He uses a launch monitor even while practicing putts. He also runs a YouTube channel and is known for unconventional training methods that might raise eyebrows among other professionals.
This includes refining his short game using a collection of mismatched clubs he discovered in the shed of a backyard golf setup.
Pearman was curious about why DeChambeau was out exploring Augusta late at night and stumbled upon his backyard practice area. DeChambeau explained he was having trouble sleeping. `I understand,` Pearman replied.
Pearman`s eccentric nature has brought him interesting acquaintances. In 1989, he achieved a Guinness World Record, surpassing Tony Alva`s skateboard jump record by jumping over 26 barrels. He holds a third-degree black belt and amateur kickboxing titles. He also crafts mosaics and belt buckles, which are popular among musicians and celebrities.
Rory Sabbatini has worn Pearman`s belt buckles at the Masters, and Jeff Knox, the renowned Augusta National marker, wore one when he outplayed McIlroy in a 2014 round.
Consequently, Pearman has a wide network of contacts. His backyard green is far from ordinary, measuring 71 feet by 41 feet, with a kidney shape and a sophisticated drainage system. `It has nine French drains and 15 catch basins,` Pearman detailed. `It`s likely the largest artificial green in the area.`
He designed it with significant undulations to maintain his interest long-term, which he believes also intrigued DeChambeau.
`This is really amazing,` DeChambeau commented to Pearman. `Usually, they are quite small and flat.`
Pearman, as an artist, has always admired DeChambeau`s innovative approach to golf. He witnessed firsthand DeChambeau`s dedication, observing how a player who had already hit around 1,000 range shots that week was still seeking improvement in his backyard on a Friday night.
It seems this unexpected practice session might have indeed provided some answers.
On Saturday, Pearman and his friends watched from his `golf shed` as DeChambeau holed a 45-foot birdie putt on the first hole. Later, more gathered to see DeChambeau birdie three of the last four holes, culminating in a 48-foot putt on the 18th, securing his place in the final group and crucial momentum for Sunday.
`I might cry if Bryson doesn`t win tomorrow,` Michele confessed.
Paul mentioned his biggest yard maintenance challenge is controlling clover, despite his yard being full of four-leaf clovers. Perhaps, he suggested, there`s some luck in the air.
`It`s just lucky out here, man,` he concluded. `Clearly, one lesson was all it took.`
After his impressive Saturday performance and Friday night`s backyard practice, DeChambeau was asked about avoiding burnout from his intense dedication to the game.
`The most important thing is to relax and have a fun, enjoyable evening,` he said. `Spending time with friends and family, and simply being myself. … The more I can be myself, the longer I can sustain this.`