The Journey of Tyler Leach: From Childhood Dreams to PGA Tour Aspirations
In 1998, Guy and Wendy Leach invested in a golf course located in western Wisconsin. A year later, they welcomed their son, Tyler, into the world. The family resided just across from the 12th tee at Spring Valley Golf Course, the namesake of their small town with a population of 1,400. Tyler and his older sister, Taylor, would divide their week between daycare and spending time with Wendy, who worked in the clubhouse. One day, Tyler stumbled upon the practice green, and that moment set him on a trajectory he would never abandon.
“I could just walk across the street and tee it up whenever I wanted to,” Leach shared. “I basically lived there. I hardly spent any time in my home.”
Spring Valley Golf Course offers a tranquil setting for aspiring golfers. Although it has no driving range, it boasts a public course ambiance with Saturday morning rounds costing less than $30. While it may not be the first place you’d expect to see PGA Tour legends, it played a pivotal role in shaping Leach’s golf journey.
Now a 25-year-old graduate of Marquette, Leach is realizing his childhood dreams. He began his PGA Tour Q-School journey three stages ago, and currently, he is competing in the final stage in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, alongside 176 other players vying for just five coveted PGA Tour cards.
Though Spring Valley measures just under 6,000 yards, Leach emphasizes the challenge it presents. As a former Big East Freshman of the Year for the Golden Eagles, he faced its tight corridors and found the course difficult to break, even with a low round of 7-under 65.
Leach credits the course’s pines for teaching him how to hit straight shots and hone his scoring ability, which prepared him for his collegiate golf journey. He excelled at Marquette, earning first-team All-Big East honors twice and contributing to his team’s Big East titles and NCAA appearances. However, as he transitioned to professional golf two years ago, he faced challenges with his putting, at one point struggling significantly during the 2022 Wisconsin State Amateur.
Despite the hardships, Leach maintained his spirit. Influenced by his wife, he decided to adopt a broomstick putter—a choice he initially resisted. The breakthrough came during his first event with the new putter, where he achieved his first professional win at the Minnesota State Open. His performance improved significantly throughout Q-School, leading to standout rounds, including a 7-under 63 that solidified his position among the top contenders.
Leach’s journey is unique, especially as he aims to become one of the first Marquette alumni to earn PGA Tour cards. With support from former teammates like Hunter Eichhorn, who also reached the final stage, Leach reflects on how far he has come. “I’ve faced tough times, particularly with my putting,” he acknowledged. “If I could finish in the top five, it would be the culmination of my dream.” Though his parents have sold Spring Valley, it will always hold a special place in his heart—a reminder of where it all started.
