Everyone needs some kind of support system in their life, and for Jhonattan Vegas, that support is nothing but his family. Literally. When Vegas arrived at the University of Texas 14 years ago with just a suitcase and a set of well-worn clubs, it was Dick Kemp and his wife Melisa who became his American parents, providing him with the love, care, and financial support he needed to thrive. Dick, a fourth-generation Austin resident and successful businessman, took Vegas under his wing, becoming his legal guardian and helping him navigate college life.

“He gave me that confidence to keep going forward, knowing that I had someone looking after me,” Vegas said, remembering the kindness Dick showed him. Vegas’ biological parents, Carlos and Maritza, were struggling financially in Venezuela after their business was taken away for signing a recall petition against Hugo Chavez, but Dick and Melisa’s support allowed Jhonattan to focus on his golf career.

The Kemps’s influence on Vegas’s life went beyond just financial support. Dick taught him how to fish, offered advice on his golf swing, and became a constant source of encouragement. Vegas affectionately referred to Dick as “big boy” and described him as a man of principle who took pride in doing things the right way. After Dick’s passing four years ago, Vegas continues to honor his memory by writing “DK” on his Nike cap during tournaments.

Vegas stayed with Melisa Kemp, his “American mom,” during the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play, sleeping in the same home where he had found comfort and companionship during his college days. “If there’s no Dick Kemp, there’s no Jhonattan Vegas,” said Kevin Kirk, Vegas’ swing coach, highlighting the significant impact Dick had had on his life.

But that is not where Vegas’s amazing family ends. Vegas is married to Hildegard Struppek, whom he wed in 2013, and they have two kids, Louis Alexander and Sharlene Alexander. His family has been a constant support system, evident through social media, where they often share moments of love, travel, and celebration.

Notably, Vegas withdrew from the Barracuda Championship when his wife went into labor with their second child, tweeting about rushing home for the delivery, showing just how important his family is to him. But that is not the only time he has made his biggest supporters feel special.

Jhonattan Vegas’s second PGA Tour win was ‘more exciting’ because of his family

Jhonattan Vegas’s victory at the 2016 RBC Canadian Open was made even sweeter by sharing the moment with his loved ones. The Venezuelan was glued to his phone, celebrating with his wife and baby daughter immediately after his win. “It’s special seeing them that happy, enjoying that moment as much as I am enjoying it right now,” Vegas said. His birdie finish on the final three holes secured a one-stroke victory, earning him $1,062,000 and a spot in the PGA Championship. Vegas’s win was not just a personal triumph but a moment to cherish with his family, whom he dedicated the win to, along with his fellow countrymen back in Venezuela.

Vegas emphasized that this win felt bigger than his previous one because he now has a family to share it with. “It definitely feels bigger, feels more exciting because I have a family to share this with,” he said. Seeing his wife and baby daughter excited while watching him on TV added to his happiness and motivation to keep playing his best. Vegas even took his phone with his family still on the line while posing for photos with the trophy, showcasing the importance of this moment for him and his loved ones.

“Venezuela is a country that is suffering right now… So definitely I want to dedicate it to the country because of all the tremendous support that I’ve had from them,” Vegas added, highlighting his commitment to his roots. So, what do you think about Vegas’s amazing family? Let us know in the comment section below!