Fathers on the Pro Tour

Here’s what a few of the PPA Tour dads have to say about what today means for them, what being a dad is like, and what it’s like being on tour as a father.

Chuck Taylor

Being a dad is like being a superstar. The kids are a built in, homegrown fan club. Although it’s a lot tougher to bring home medals for them on the PPA Tour

Tyson McGuffin

Living on the road juggling being a dad is one of the hardest things I’ve conquered. It took a while to find balance. In the end I realized I play my best when my kids are with me. The babies stay with a nanny on tournament days, but I get to wake up with them, play and eat breakfast. I also get to see them after a long day of playing. Getting to play hard with them, wrestling them down and hearing their screams of excitement and laughter throughout the rental houses or hotel rooms is the best. It’s hard to sulk on a hard loss with so much joy around you. I couldn’t do it without my kids and my wife. Being a husband and father means the world to me.

Steve Deakin

I find I am popular when I have money in my jeans and ribeyes for dinner.

Erik Lange

What it’s like being a dad? Here’s an actual family group text from my 12 year-old son after I lost a streamed match on center court 

“I can’t believe you quit your job for this – I could have done better.” Yeah, tough love. Usually my 15 year-old daughter will reply, “don’t listen to him – you did well.”

Travis Rettenmaier 

Being a dad is the greatest gift on Earth, particularly to a little girl. Nobody, maybe, other than my dog, is happier to see me. My daughter is 4 years old, so I know for now she will sprint to the door to give dad a hug, and sadly one day I will likely beg for those hugs. Being a girl dad is the best. She does my hair, paints my nails and always makes sure dad looks pretty. Happy Father’s Day to everyone out there, nothing better in the whole world.