If you have been paying attention to professional golf lately, you might have seen a familiar name: Jacob Bridgeman.

Bridgeman graduated from Chapman in 2018 and played golf at Clemson University before turning pro.

Along with being a graduate, Bridgeman has one other deep connection to Chapman.

His mother, Angie Bailey, is a math teacher.

Bailey credits Chapman with helping him develop as a golfer.

“Chapman was a great place for him to build his confidence in a safe, supportive environment,” Bailey said. “The coaches and faculty are some of the best, and I have no regrets that Jacob went here versus a bigger school.”

Bailey would often travel to junior tournaments during the summers to see Bridgeman compete, but after he went pro, things changed.

“Jacob and I traveled most of the summer when he played as a junior golfer in national and state tournaments,” she said. “When he went to Clemson, he traveled with the team. When he became a professional, I was not able to travel to as many since the tournaments are spread out across the U.S. and other countries.”

Bailey said her son played multiple sports but that he always had an affinity for golf.

“At around 8 years old, we realized he was really enjoying golf and asked to go practice every day,” she said. “People would comment on how natural his swing was.”

Bailey attributes his success in the sport not just to his natural talent but also to his hard work.

“It seems success in sports is measured by wins,” she said. “Jacob had to climb up that ladder of success just like every other athlete. I have been proud of every success along the way.”