Three years ago, doctors informed golfer Joseph Bramlett his career could be over as a result of a severe back injury. Resilient in his pursuit, Bramlett endured countless hours of rehab and practice with the goal to return to the course and to major competition. On Monday October 10, he realized that goal, battling through 90+ opponents to Monday qualify for the PGA Tour’s Safeway Open.
Not enough to simply qualify, Joseph made the cut by shooting -3 over his first two rounds, and concluded the tournament T-35 at -8. Joseph shot a -4 68 in the final around and finished better than Tour regulars Matt Kuchar, Smylie Kaufman, Stuart Cink, Lucas Glover and Bryson DeCahambeau.
As Joseph’s representatives, Team Services manages Joseph’s playing schedule, communications with the PGA and Web.com Tours, and his off-course endorsements – including his apparel deal with Nike.
Joseph Bramlett on course for first PGA Tour event since 2012
Updated 8:14 pm, Tuesday, October 11, 2016
Joseph Bramlett stood on the practice green Tuesday at Silverado, savoring the scene — and preparing to play in a PGA Tour event for the first time in more than 4½ years.
Bramlett, who grew up in Saratoga and attended Stanford, landed his spot in the Safeway Open through Monday’s qualifier at Bayonet Golf Course in Monterey. He shot 4-under-par 68 to earn his place in the field.
“The drive home from Bayonet was awesome,” said Bramlett, who now lives in San Jose. “Finally, I get to come out and play.”
Bramlett, 28, spent one season on the PGA Tour (2011) and two more on the Web.com Tour (2012-13) after leaving Stanford. But then he struggled with disk problems in his back, knocking him out of action for nearly three years.
He didn’t play between a Web.com event in June 2013 and his return in January. He played three Web.com tournaments this year before experiencing more back issues, launching a frustrating spring and summer.
Bramlett overhauled his swing with the help of instructor John Scott, trying to reduce the stress on his back. He endured one rough stretch in August, when he fell at the gym and was essentially immobile for two weeks, but his back has mostly cooperated since then.
This week’s tournament will be his first PGA Tour start since the AT&T at Pebble Beach in February 2012.
“The last month has been very encouraging,” Bramlett said. “I’m stoked to be here. It’s a great opportunity, and now I’ve got to capitalize on it.”