LA QUINTA, California — At 48 years old, Charley Hoffman is acutely aware that his days on the PGA Tour may be limited. His ongoing back issues serve as a constant reminder of the passage of time, particularly as the recent decrease in available tour cards suggests many players will conclude their careers well before reaching his age. However, Hoffman isn’t ready to hang up his clubs just yet.
Back in Southern California, he managed to secure a share of the lead on Friday at The American Express, a tournament he triumphed at nearly two decades ago. He remains resolute in fighting until the end of his career, saying, “When I’m healthy, the weather’s warm, I feel like I can beat anybody in the world.” Conversely, he noted, “When it’s cold and my back’s not feeling good, I don’t think I can beat anybody in the world.”
Both Hoffman and Rico Hoey delivered impressive performances, shooting 9-under 63 on the Nicklaus Tournament Course, placing them at 16-under 128 halfway through this three-course tournament. However, both players still have the more challenging Pete Day Stadium Course at PGA West ahead of them, with Justin Lower, Mark Hubbard, and Sepp Straka just a shot behind. Jason Day and J.J. Spaun are also lurking at 14-under.
As Hoffman vies for his fifth career victory during his 517th tournament appearance, it’s notable that he first competed on the PGA Tour as an amateur at just 17 years old. He did not earn his tour card until 2006, after graduating from UNLV. His first title came at this very event in 2007, when he clinched the win against John Rollins in a playoff on a windy, frigid weekend.
Although Hoffman hasn’t clinched a victory since 2016, he feels optimistic after overcoming significant back problems over the years, which included two herniated discs three years ago. His second-round performance showcased his potential with a mix of two bogeys and two eagles, indicating he is still able to play aggressively enough to compete against younger players. “I’ve got a great chiropractor at home, a good golf coach, and a solid team I’ve built. I’m spending more time in the gym to stay fit than I do practicing,” he explained, acknowledging the importance of maintaining his health rather than learning new techniques at this stage in his career.
Family time weighs heavily on Hoffman, as he admits the time spent away from his wife and two daughters is the hardest part of being a professional golfer. His family is in Palm Springs this week while they participate in equestrian events nearby. He joked about their situation: “So they’re spending money and I’m trying to make money,” he said with a smile.
However, the golfer has no intention of transitioning into a full-time role as a horse dad or awaiting his eligibility for the PGA Tour Champions in the near future. He remains committed to making the most of his time on the main tour, relishing the competition. “The competition is fun,” Hoffman stated, adding that he enjoys witnessing the surprise of younger competitors when they learn his age. “I’m 48. They sort of give you a look, like, ‘What, you’re still out here playing at 48?’ It’s rare in today’s game to see players this age on the PGA Tour, and I’m going to keep battling as long as I can,” he affirmed.
In the second round, Rickie Fowler surged into contention with an impressive 62, notching ten birdies. He joined Justin Thomas and last year’s Sony Open champion Nick Taylor at 13-under 131. Patrick Cantlay, Will Zalatoris, and Doug Ghim are trailing at 12-under.
First-round leader J.T. Poston fell quickly down the leaderboard, posting a disappointing 4-over 76 on the Stadium Course.
Meanwhile, Hoey, a local product from Rancho Cucamonga and a USC standout, is pursuing his first PGA Tour win in his second full year. Having been familiar with the Palm Springs golf scene since his childhood, Hoey expressed how at home he feels on the Nicklaus course. “The weather is awesome, and we don’t deal with too many tough conditions. It made scoring a lot easier. I’m still kind of starstruck by the likes of Hoffman and Cantlay, and it’s really exciting to compete alongside them,” he shared, emphasizing his eagerness to prove himself in such esteemed company.
