Golfer Zach Bauchou Fulfills His Dream of Reaching the PGA Tour After Choosing Family First
Professional golfer Zach Bauchou has officially earned his place on the PGA Tour, achieving a dream years in the making — one that was once put on hold for a far greater purpose: the birth of his first child.
The 29-year-old Virginia native, who starred at Oklahoma State University and helped lead the Cowboys to their 2018 NCAA National Championship, recently finished the 2025 Korn Ferry Tour season ranked No. 11, solidifying his spot among the top 30 players who qualify for the PGA Tour.
For Bauchou, this victory was about more than golf. It was a personal triumph built on sacrifice, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to family.
“It sounds so cliché, but you can just never give up,” Bauchou told PGATour.com while holding his two children after clinching his Tour card. “The best players in the world are on the PGA Tour, and I’m excited for the chance to play against them. It’s a dream come true.”
Walking Away From His Dream for Family
Back in 2023, Bauchou made headlines when he withdrew from the final round of Korn Ferry Tour qualifying to be by his wife Victoria’s side as she went into labor with their first son, James.
It was a decision that many might have seen as career-ending — but for Bauchou, it was simply the right thing to do.
He made it in time to witness James’ birth, according to Golf.com, but missing the event meant missing his shot at PGA Tour qualification that year. Bauchou finished just three spots shy of earning his card.
The golfer later admitted that he briefly considered retiring from professional golf altogether, contemplating a new path as an assistant college coach so he could stay closer to home with his growing family.
“I was going to quit because it’s a lot of traveling,” Bauchou explained. “Even though I didn’t play well, I learned a lot. I was excited about coaching and helping others get better. That’s where I was in life at that time.”
Redemption Through Hard Work and Perseverance
But Bauchou couldn’t shake his competitive drive. Determined to give his dream one more shot, he returned to the Korn Ferry Tour in 2025 — and what followed was nothing short of remarkable.
He delivered four top-10 finishes and 11 top-25 finishes throughout the season, capped off by a stunning victory at the Simmons Bank Open, which vaulted him into the top tier of the rankings.
“It’s been a long season, and I feel like I’ve gotten better throughout,” Bauchou said following his win. “It’s nice to show that and see the results.”
Support From Friends and Family
Bauchou’s journey has been cheered on by his wife Victoria, their two sons, and close friends — including PGA Tour star Viktor Hovland, his former Oklahoma State teammate.
Hovland praised Bauchou’s perseverance, saying:
“He had some tough times after school and struggled for a while, but I’m really proud that he turned it around. He deserves this.”
With his PGA Tour card secured, Bauchou becomes the final member of Oklahoma State’s 2018 national championship lineup to reach golf’s highest level — joining the ranks of players he once competed alongside in college.
A Story of Faith, Family, and Determination
For Zach Bauchou, the road to the PGA Tour has been anything but easy. But his journey — marked by sacrifice, setbacks, and stunning redemption — stands as a powerful reminder that dreams delayed are not dreams denied.
As he prepares to tee off alongside golf’s elite in the 2026 PGA Tour season, Bauchou carries with him the lessons of patience, perseverance, and perspective — and the unwavering support of the family who made it all possible.
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