Who knew a passion ignited at 3 would lead to criticism? Well, that is what happened with Scott Baio’s daughter, Bailey Baio. She teed it up in her first professional tournament on the NXXT Women’s Pro Tour at Stoneybrook West Golf Course in Winter Garden, Florida. This is when a few people started questioning her qualifications. Her father came to her defence, and apparently, Phil Mickelson came to his.

The actor quickly defended his daughter, saying, “My daughter qualified for this tournament. She earned her way into this tournament.”

Bailey was just 3.5 years old when her father put a golf club in her tiny hands while playing a round. She would hit the ball, always making some type of contact with the ball. Then she would play in a sand trap. If she made it to the 10th hole, Scott would let her go to the snack shack for chocolate chip cookies. She started competing at 8. The journey sure was not easy.

She missed many play dates, birthday parties, and other celebrations. By the end of her 8th grade, she had to give up dancing, which she had been doing since she was 3. Bailey also had to quit acting and performing arts and the swim team to focus on golf. It was because of golf, the family relocated to Florida. So yeah, she did earn her way.

Surprisingly, Bailey was one of the few amateurs still standing and shot 7-over par on the second day to bring her total to 19-over par for two days. This is when Mickelson stepped in, showing his support to the dad and daughter duo.

“What a great life moment to share with your daughter and an incredible experience for her to compete with professionals while still being a young amateur. I love this for you both,” Lefty wrote. This statement wasn’t surprising coming from Mickelson, and rightfully so.

He is a kind of golfer who always encourages junior golfers and other young players and has spoken publicly about the value of early competitive experience. From LIV star Brendan Steele admitting that Mickelson “is a hero of mine and a mentor” to Akshay Bhatia calling him “one of a kind”, Mickelson has taken countless young fans under his wing.

Bailey Baio was among the four amateurs who were part of the 29-player field. While she is currently placed last due to her score on the first day, her performance from round 2 did not just earn praise from Mickelson, but her father also posted on X proudly.

Top Stories

Iconic Augusta Hooters That John Daly Made Famous Gets Demolished Overnight

Charlie Woods Faces Tough College Decision After Sister Sam Woods Moved to Stanford

Paige Spiranac Sent Stern Message by Internet Invitational Champ as Cheating Drama Refuses to Die Down

Jim Furyk Cautions Tiger Woods as Pressure Grows on Him to Accept PGA Offer

Victor Perez’s LIV Golf Move Doesn’t Sit Right With Golf Fans: ‘Another Victim’

Scott Baio has shown his constant support for Bailey

Scott Baio, who is on Bailey’s bag this week, gave an update that showed both honesty and pride: “Round 2 of 3. The two pros from yesterday that was behind Bailey withdrew. Bailey was sitting 5 over until the 17th hole and doubled. She carded a 79. She just fueled up and got a sweet Fortune Cookie! The amateurs are all out of college, while BB is still in high school.”

But this moment didn’t come out of nowhere. Scott Baio has constantly shown his support for his daughter. In May, when Bailey had committed to Providence College to play Division I golf, Scott Baio shared on X — “Proud dad moment. Division 1 in The Big East Conference.”

In another post that followed, Baio shared a photo of Bailey pointing to a sign that read, “Welcome to Friartown,” at an airport baggage claim. In fact, even last week, when Bailey learned of her spot at Stonebrook, Scott teased her big step forward — “Bailey Baio will be playing her first professional golf tournament next week as an amateur! Stay tuned!”

Now the world is indeed staying tuned. And with Mickelson offering support, Bailey’s first taste of pro golf has become more than just a tournament; it’s become a moment people can’t stop talking about.