After turning pro in 2022, Ryan Gerard’s journey on the PGA Tour has been nothing short of inspiring. But make no mistake, Gerard’s rise isn’t just about pure talent (though he’s got plenty of that). It’s also about his rock-solid support circle—comprising his parents, caddie, and close friends, who walk alongside him every step of the way. As Gerard once reflected during the 2023 Puerto Rico Open, “I think when you really care about something, you sometimes make it harder on yourself than it needs to be… I want to be a great player, but golf doesn’t define me as a person.” That kind of grounded mindset? It doesn’t just show up overnight. It’s built by the people around you, and Gerard’s got one heck of a team.

Born on August 5, 1999, in Raleigh, North Carolina, Gerard is proudly American. He was so into golf that he tore up local junior tournaments before most kids knew how to say “birdie”. Gerard grew up in Raleigh with his parents, Judy and Robert, and their two dogs. Fun fact: Judy’s such a golf fan, she named one of the pups “Stevie”—a nod to Steve Stricker, her second-favorite golfer. As to who holds the top spot in her heart? We’re guessing it’s Ryan!

Even after turning pro, Gerard spent some time living at home with his mom—there’s nothing like home-cooked meals and a familiar place to crash between tournaments. But after a few solid paychecks in the bank, he’s got a place in Jupiter, Florida, where he lives during tour season. Of course, it is hard to make it on Tour without having some solid grounding—and that’s exactly what his family and friends provide. They’re the ones helping him reset when a round doesn’t go his way or cheer the loudest when he needs it the most.

At the heart of Ryan’s journey is his dad, Robert Gerard, who was a college golfer himself at Florida Atlantic. Recognizing his son’s potential early on, Robert introduced Ryan to golf at the tender age of two, almost as soon as he could walk. Ryan shared, “I was told that as a little kid, I would take shovels and rakes I found at daycare and swing them around like golf clubs. I always got in trouble for doing it.”

That early love for the game didn’t just stay a childhood hobby—it blossomed into a serious pursuit, with Robert guiding him every step of the way. In fact, he even caddied for Ryan during his incredible 26-under-par win at the 2024 BMW Charity Pro-Am. Talk about a full-circle moment for a father-son duo.

About his father, Ryan shared with PGATour.com, “Not only has my dad always been passionate about the game of golf, but he has made it a point to be there to push me along in any way he could help…He would drop anything to come and help me. I have really benefited from that, and I really, really appreciate him for that.”

Ryan’s mom, Judy Gerard, has been his rock and biggest supporter from the very start. In fact, when he broke par for the first time, she was right there with him. “When they put my score up on the leaderboard, it was in red,” Ryan recalled. “I remember getting mad and telling my mom that it wasn’t fair that my score was red, while everyone else’s was black. I didn’t want to feel left out.”

Gerard’s not shy about how much his family means to him and the tight bond they share. “My parents care so much about me playing that it kind of freaks them out,” Gerard said with a laugh. “If they can’t either watch it live on TV or be there in person, they can’t handle only big-picture, periodic updates online.” He knows his family will always be there for him, backing him all the way.

However, apart from blood and personal ties, Gerard also has a constant guide on the course that faces the battles alongside him.

The Calm in the Storm: Caddie Steven Hale

Gerard’s current full-time caddie, Steven Hale, isn’t just carrying a bag of clubs—he’s bringing 22 years of Tour experience with him. This guy actually helped Keegan Bradley win the 2011 PGA Championship, so yeah, he is a golfing veteran who knows a thing or two about handling pressure.

Hale is originally from Visalia, California, and while he didn’t play college golf, he still got plenty of time on the course growing up. One of his best golf memories? Caddying for the US Ryder Cup team. Chatting with Garrett Johnston on the Beyond the Clubhouse YouTube channel, Ryan was full of praise for his caddie, “He’s just a consummate professional—knows exactly what to do and how to do it. He’s not high-strung or anxious; he’s seen it all before.” Adding to the fact that the caddie is much older and more experienced than the golfer, Gerard has immense respect and awe for his skills. “I’m young and still learning, and he’s got a wealth of knowledge we can tap into… He’s seen nine different wind directions on that hole alone.” That kind of calmness and experience? Pure gold out on the golf course.

The 2025 season promises to be big for Gerard. Do you think he will be able to clinch his first title this season? Let us know below!