Despite a rocky start to the year, 34-year-old golfer Max Homa is showing a defiant spirit and a firm belief in his skills. A series of disappointing performances on the PGA Tour have not dampened his determination or his confidence. The golfer, who missed his last three cuts on the tour, saw his chances of seizing his first major title slip away at the Masters last year due to a costly error on the 12th hole. Despite the setback, his prospects of catching up with Scottie Scheffler remained a tantalizing possibility.
Later in the year, Homa made a strategic decision to part ways with coach Mark Blackburn, choosing instead to collaborate with John Scott Rattan. Although the switch has not yet translated into noteworthy success on the green, Homa remains optimistic. Out of six starts, he has missed three cuts and withdrew from the Farmers Insurance Open following a disappointing opening round of 77 at Torrey Pines. His best performance in 2025 so far has been a tied 26th finish at The Sentry.
Homa’s journey has been marked by frustration, particularly over the perceived lack of progress since his coaching shift. Speaking candidly to CBS ahead of the Players Championship, he voiced his exasperation but also highlighted his confidence in the work he has been doing with his new coach. Despite the disappointment on the course, Homa has found a silver lining in his training, boasting of the best swings he has ever made.
His assertion, “Everyone thinks I’m crazy, but this is the best I’ve swung a golf club on a driving range, and at home and at the practice range here at Sawgrass, it’s just the best I’ve really ever hit it,” speaks volumes about his resilience and belief in his potential.
Homa’s optimism offers a refreshing perspective, especially when it would be easier for him to wallow in self-pity or seek an entirely new direction. There is no denying that his results need to improve in the upcoming months, considering his current 146th position in the FedEx Cup standings. Yet, there is a palpable sense of confidence in his approach.
Homa’s performance at The Sentry, where he was particularly pleased with his driving, signaled a potential turning point. He confidently asserted that his driving at Kapalua was superior to any other place since the Masters the previous year. His proficiency in strokes gained around the greens has also earned him a place within the top 50 of the PGA Tour.
While there is still significant work ahead, Homa’s determined spirit and unwavering belief in his skills might just prove naysayers wrong in the coming months.
