Another victim of the housing downturn has found success in his fourth comeback at golf.
Bryan DeCorso gave up the game for nine months in 2005. Didn’t watch the Golf Channel or check scores in the paper. His clubs were “collecting dust.” After 13 years on minor tours, the son of a professional golfer couldn’t endure missing cuts and meager paychecks anymore. For the third time, DeCorso walked away to rebuild homes in Florida. It was good money and a great mental break.
“I did electrical, plumbing — I did pretty much everything,” he said. “It was a great escape. It was fun just tearing stuff down and rebuilding it.”
But, flipping houses became harder and DeCorso returned even more determined to survive the game.
“I knew I was going to give it another try, but I just needed that time,” he said. “I love the competition. Deep down, I know this is what I’m meant to do.”
The last few weeks have been phenomenal for DeCorso. After notching his first Nationwide Tour win in the South Georgia Classic and three top 10 finishes, he remained just off the first-round lead yesterday in the Melwood Prince George’s County Open at The Country Club at Woodmore. DeCorso’s 68 was two strokes off a personal best thanks to an eagle and birdie over the final four holes.
The turnaround is credited to recent swing changes that keep DeCorso more upright. He now works with former pro Greg Towne every few weeks to avoid relapses when “I didn’t know why I did things.”
“I felt the ceiling was above my head and I wanted a brighter future and potential to win,” said DeCorso of revamping his swing.
DeCorso, 36, also conceded maturing keeps him from blowing up after a bad hole. Indeed, he followed three bogeys with an eagle, birdie and par. DeCorso remained upbeat during a round’s low points when 30 mph wind gusts crisscrossed each hole differently.
“You never feel invincible in this game. You always seem to be on a little bit of edge. It keeps you sharp,” he said. “The best players in the world say they couldn’t play without being a little bit nervous. If you thought you were Superman and hit it in the hole every shot, I’m sorry, you’re going to get bit. Maybe you see less trouble and you’re more positive and more confident and give yourself more birdie chances and it snowballs where it seems easy for awhile.”
A consistent season should lead to his PGA Tour card next year. The Senior Tour is a long-range goal. But earning $148,976 already this year lets DeCorso remember why he keeps coming back to the sport.
“It makes my future brighter,” he said. “It allows me to go play. I’m that much closer to get a Tour card.”
Finally, DeCorso is building a future for himself.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Contact him at [email protected].
