When Greenville’s Bill Haas won the PGA Tour’s 2011 season-ending Tour Championship and FedExCup Championship, a payday worth a combined $11 million, he probably couldn’t foresee what his career would be 14 years later. Who could?

Now 42, the past three years have been a golfing struggle for the Wake Forest graduate. He’s won $31 million-plus in his career dating to 2004, but since being a passenger in a fatal car crash in California in 2013 that killed a family friend, Haas has at times seemed unable to muster his earlier form.

That’s been true in 2025, with four missed cuts in as many starts, and last year when he made just four cuts in 13 events. So Thursday’s start at the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic – a 3-under par 68 that could’ve been better, and within range of Mackenzie Hughes’ leading 8-under score – was encouraging to say the least.

With the game’s biggest names competing in the PGA Tour’s signature Truist Championship in Philadelphia this weekend, the second-year Myrtle Beach event is the sanctuary of players either hoping to make it to the bigger events or, like Haas, somewhat removed from that level. Still, he said:

“I think any tournament is important for me at this stage where I am.

I even play Korn Ferry (tournaments) some and everything like that. Just being able to put a score down by your name and hopefully it snowballs in the right direction instead of the wrong.”

Haas was en route to a 4-under finish until he missed the green at the par-3 ninth hole (his 18th), then flubbed an uphill chip and missed the par-saving putt. He lamented some other missed opportunities, but overall was happy with his score.

Also a mood-lifter was the presence of his father, PGA Tour Champions veteran Jay Haas, 71, who was caddying for his son for the second time at the Myrtle Beach Classic.

“He just said, ‘If you get into Myrtle Beach, I would love to caddie for you again,’” Bill Haas said. “I’ve been struggling a lot with my game, so having him inside the ropes seeing every shot, being able to discuss that, is just very useful — more so than me calling him and telling him about ‘I felt bad here, I felt bad there.’

He’s kind of been my main coach my whole life. So having him out there on the bag is great for this week. … I’m trying my hardest to play better and having him out there is such a great tool.”

The elder Haas has had a settling effect on his son, especially in par-saving moments on the greens.

“I was using him on putts,” Bill said. “On the 7th hole, Haas’ 16th, I wanted him to putt for me. (He said) ‘Can you putt this one for me?’ And I ended up making that one.

I’m not sure if it’s any one specific situation, but he is out there grinding with me as much as I am.”

If 2025 hasn’t been encouraging for the most part, Haas isn’t ready to ride off into the sunset.

“I’ve really struggled with just ball striking in general,” he said. “(Friday), I would just love to go out and be sharp. It’s hard to explain, but I’m just trying to narrow everything. That’s what I hope for tomorrow is just to be sharp and have fun.”

Having his dad on the bag is a step in that direction – even if, he said with a laugh, it’s more about the experience than the paycheck.

“Yeah, he’s not gotten paid well when he’s worked for me,” Bill said. “I would love a great week and do something great and pay him well, but I don’t think that’s why he’s doing it.”

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