AUGUSTA, Ga. — Masters week in Augusta is typically a lively time. Paul Pearman, a 64-year-old Augusta native, is quite familiar with this atmosphere.
Pearman, an artist with an eclectic style whose home on Lake Olmstead resembles a museum, often finds himself in the middle of the festivities. He`s well-versed in local history, especially Augusta National lore. A passionate golfer himself, he even constructed a top-notch putting green in his backyard, complete with impressive lighting.
The lighting is so powerful, it acted like a beacon, attracting none other than Bryson DeChambeau, one of golf`s elite players.
One Friday evening, Pearman returned home and switched on the lights. He noticed a group approaching across a nearby bridge, their attention immediately drawn to the illuminated green. They turned towards his house and greeted him.
`Do you guys play golf?` Pearman inquired.
`Hi, I`m Bryson DeChambeau,` one of them responded from the shadows of the driveway.
Pearman jokingly replied, `Nice to meet you, I`m Jack Nicklaus.`
As his guest stepped into the light, Pearman realized it was indeed DeChambeau. `Oh,` he admitted, `I`m not really Jack Nicklaus.`
DeChambeau, who scored a 69 on Saturday, positioning himself in the final group with Rory McIlroy, is just two strokes behind and in contention for 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 critical round.
At Pearman`s, DeChambeau practiced with 72-degree wedges, sending balls high into the night sky.
`It looked like a Goodyear Blimp was flying overhead, dropping golf balls onto the flags,` Pearman described.
DeChambeau also used Pearman`s `Liberace putter,` a large, clear Lucite putter with a head resembling a block 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 responded, disbelieving.
But it was true, and Michele admitted to instantly liking DeChambeau, impressed by his politeness to everyone, including their Rottweiler, Rosie. `He was so nice,` she said. `He introduced himself, shook my hand. And he was very friendly with Rosie, and she loved it.`
DeChambeau is known for being one of golf`s most intriguing personalities. At tournaments, he often practices late into the evening after his rounds. He uses a launch monitor even on putting greens. He`s also a YouTuber and quite successful at it. He`s known for trying unconventional methods that might raise eyebrows among other pros.
Such as refining his short game with a collection of mismatched clubs found in a backyard shed.
Pearman was curious why DeChambeau was out late in Augusta, discovering a practice green just minutes before. DeChambeau explained he couldn`t sleep. `I understand,` Pearman responded.
Pearman`s unique personality has led to many interesting acquaintances. In 1989, he broke Tony Alva`s Guinness World Record for the longest skateboard jump. He`s a third-degree black belt and a kickboxing champion. He crafts mosaics and belt buckles, selling them to musicians and celebrities.
Rory Sabbatini once wore one of Pearman`s belt buckles at the Masters, and Jeff Knox, Augusta National`s legendary marker, wore one when he outplayed McIlroy in a 2014 round.
Consequently, Pearman knows many people, and his backyard green is exceptional. Measuring 71 feet by 41 feet, it features a sophisticated drainage system. `It`s likely the largest artificial green in town,` Pearman stated.
He added undulations to keep it interesting long-term, which caught DeChambeau`s attention.
`This is really cool,` DeChambeau remarked. `Usually, they`re quite small and flat.`
Pearman, appreciating DeChambeau`s innovative approach to golf, has now witnessed it firsthand. He observed DeChambeau, who had already taken around 1,000 practice shots at Augusta National that week, seeking further improvement in his backyard on Friday night.
And it seems his efforts might have paid off.
On Saturday, Pearman and friends watched DeChambeau sink a 45-foot birdie putt on the first hole. Later, more gathered to see him birdie three of the last four holes, including a 48-footer on No. 18, securing his place in the final group for Sunday.
`I might cry if Bryson doesn`t win tomorrow,` Michele confessed.
Paul mentioned his biggest yard maintenance challenge is clover, but his yard is full of four-leaf clovers. `It`s just lucky out here,` he said. `Maybe one lesson was all it took.`
After his impressive Saturday performance, following his Friday night practice, DeChambeau was asked about avoiding burnout from constant practice.
`The key is relaxing and having fun,` he replied. `Spending time with friends and family, and just being myself… The more I can be myself, the longer I can sustain it.`
