AUGUSTA, Georgia — Masters week in Augusta is typically a lively affair, and 64-year-old Paul Pearman, a lifelong resident, has witnessed it all.
Pearman, an artist with an eclectic home-museum on Lake Olmstead, is often in the midst of the celebrations. He`s well-versed in local Augusta National history and, as a passionate golfer, even constructed a top-tier putting green in his backyard, complete with impressive lighting.
This bright setup inadvertently acted as a signal, attracting a world-renowned golfer.
One Friday evening, Pearman returned home and switched on the green`s lights. He noticed a group walking across a nearby bridge and watched as they turned towards his house, drawn by the illuminated green. They approached and greeted Pearman.
`Do you guys play golf?` he inquired.
`Hi, I`m Bryson DeChambeau,` one of them responded from the dimly lit driveway.
Pearman jokingly replied, `Nice to meet you, I`m Jack Nicklaus.`
When his guest stepped into the light, Pearman realized it was indeed DeChambeau. `Oh,` he said, `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 and aiming 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 thanks 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 balls high into the night sky.
Pearman described it as `like someone was flying over in a Goodyear Blimp and dropping golf balls onto the flags.`
DeChambeau also experimented with Pearman’s `Liberace putter,` a large, clear Lucite block with a soap-like head.
`Like those novelty items with a scorpion inside,` Pearman joked, `the kind you might get as employee of the month.`
Pearman rushed inside to tell his wife, Michele, to get out of her pajamas, exclaiming, `Get up! Bryson`s in the backyard.`
Michele was initially skeptical, replying, `You`re kidding me.`
But upon seeing DeChambeau, Michele was charmed by his politeness to everyone, including their Rottweiler. `He was so sweet,` she recalled. `He introduced himself, shook my hand. And he was all over Rosie, and she loved it.`
DeChambeau is known for his unique approach in golf. He often practices late into the evenings at tournaments, using launch monitors even on putting greens. He`s also a successful YouTuber and isn`t afraid to experiment, sometimes to the amusement of other professionals.
This includes refining his short game with unconventional clubs found in a backyard shed.
Pearman wondered why DeChambeau was exploring Augusta late at night and stumbled upon his practice green. DeChambeau explained he was having trouble sleeping. `I don`t blame you,` Pearman responded.
Pearman`s diverse interests have led to many notable 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 former amateur kickboxing champion. He also creates mosaics and belt buckles, popular among musicians and celebrities.
Rory Sabbatini once wore Pearman`s belt buckle at the Masters, and Jeff Knox, Augusta National`s marker, wore one when he outplayed McIlroy in a 2014 round.
Pearman`s backyard green is exceptional, measuring 71 by 41 feet with a sophisticated drainage system. `It`s probably the largest artificial green in town,` he noted.
He intentionally added undulations to keep it interesting, which he believes caught DeChambeau`s attention.
`This is really cool,` DeChambeau remarked. `Usually, they`re quite small and flat.`
Pearman, as an artist, admires DeChambeau`s dedication to refining his game and equipment. He witnessed DeChambeau, after extensive practice at Augusta National, continuing his search for improvement in his backyard.
And it appears he might have found some answers there.
The next day, Pearman and friends watched DeChambeau sink a long birdie putt on the first hole. Later, more gathered to see him birdie three of the last four holes, including a 48-footer on the 18th, securing his spot in the final group with momentum for Sunday.
`I might cry if Bryson doesn`t win tomorrow,` Michele admitted.
Paul mentioned his biggest yard work challenge is clover, though his yard is full 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 method for avoiding burnout from intense practice.
`The most important thing is to relax and have fun,` he said. `Spending time with friends and family, just being myself… The more I can be myself, the longer I can sustain it.`
