Bryce Molder was a name synonymous with success in the world of college golf. A four-time All-American from Georgia Tech, he was hailed as one of the most talented and promising young players in the sport. With accolades like the Haskins Award, two-time Walker Cup team member and low amateur at the 2001 U.S. Open under his belt, it seemed like Molder was destined for a glittering career on the PGA Tour. However, at the young age of 22, he made a decision that shocked many and left them wondering: why did he walk away from the game?
The answer lies in an unexpected source- fellow professional golfer Xander Schauffele. In an exclusive interview with Golf Digest, Schauffele revealed that he was the one who pushed Molder to quit the game. It may seem surprising, as Schauffele is just 26 years old and has only been on the PGA Tour for three years, but his impact on Molder’s decision cannot be denied.
“Just after my freshman year, our team got cut and we were trying to figure out what to do,” Schauffele said. “My dad introduced me to Bryce, who was already somewhat established. He took me under his wing and we went back and forth a lot. I knew he was going through some mental hurdles with golf and I think that’s where I might have had some influence.”
Molder had admitted to struggling with the mental aspect of golf since his college days. He was known for his perfectionism and was constantly trying to improve his game, which sometimes took a toll on his mental health. It was during these vulnerable moments that Schauffele stepped in and provided Molder with the support and guidance he needed.
“I was just 19 years old and I had so many questions and I was throwing them all his way,” Schauffele recalled. “He must have seen something in me that he wanted to help, and I think our friendship developed in a unique way.”
As Molder’s mentor and friend, Schauffele saw the potential for greatness in his protégé. However, he also noticed that Molder’s passion for the game was waning and he was not enjoying it as much as he used to. So, when Molder made the tough decision to retire from professional golf in 2019, Schauffele was not surprised.
“I saw it coming,” he said. “He had spoken to me about what he was going through a lot, and I told him that you’re young and if you’re not into it, why do it when you don’t love it anymore? I didn’t want to be selfish and say, ‘Come on, dude, you’re really good at this.’ He wasn’t enjoying the work it took.”
While many may view Molder’s early exit from the game as a disappointment, Schauffele believes it takes immense strength and courage to walk away from something you have dedicated your entire life to.
“It takes serious guts to give up something like this,” Schauffele said. “I know so many guys can kind of carry on and not care and dot around for a paycheck. That wasn’t his style. It just speaks to the strength of his character. He was in the position to do it and was very smart with his finances. If anyone should do it, it was him.”
Molder’s decision to retire may have come as a shock to the golfing world, but it was a well thought out and mature one. He left the game on his own terms and is now exploring new avenues. He has taken up writing and joined a venture capital firm that focuses on sports and technology, proving that his intelligence and drive extend beyond the golf course.
When asked about Molder’s impact on his own career, Schauffele said, “He did a lot for me in my transition to professional golf. It’s pretty cool that we’re such good friends and that he was able to help plant that seed. He showed me what not to do and what he thought were his faults, which is a really unique thing to get from someone better than you. He definitely left an impression on me.”
Bryce Molder may have left the game of golf, but his legacy lives on in the players he mentored, like Xander Schauffele. He may not have achieved the greatness many expected of him, but his courage and self-awareness are qualities that