When Chandler Phillips graduated from Texas A&M in 2019, he left College Station as the program’s most decorated player. Seven tournament wins stood as a school record. Three Palmer Cup selections made him the first American to achieve that honor. Records still bear his name today.

The Huntsville, Texas native turned pro with dreams shared by every college golf star. PGA Tour glory beckoned. Major championships waited. Generational wealth seemed possible. Six years later, at 10-under par and one shot off the lead at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship, Phillips chases those dreams harder than ever.

But in an emotional interview released this week by the PGA Tour, Phillips revealed something that separates him from every other player grinding for Tour cards and top-10 finishes. “At some point, I’m going to have to quit golf and take care of him,” he said, speaking about his younger brother Dawson, who is autistic. The revelation wasn’t made in retirement. It came while Phillips battles for his professional survival, currently ranked 139th in the FedExCup standings with his 2026 Tour status hanging in the balance.

The interview offers a rare glimpse into a future Phillips has already accepted. Family trumps fairways. Period.

Dawson Phillips is three years younger than Chandler. He was diagnosed with autism around age three. He’s described as “the happiest man in the world” despite never being able to live independently. Dawson participates in Special Olympics events, including bocce ball, bowling, and track and field. Phillips’ commitment runs deep.

“I’m never gonna put him and have somebody take care of him. That’s my brother. He’s f—ing awesome. He’s my best friend.”

The timing makes this extraordinary. Currently, T2 entering Sunday’s final round at Bermuda, Phillips sits one shot behind the leaders. It’s his best position since finishing T3 at the 2024 Valspar Championship. Meanwhile, he fights to keep his Tour card from 139th in the FedExCup position. He needs a strong finish.

What Phillips stands to sacrifice carries real weight. Career earnings total $3,067,932 across 53 PGA Tour starts. His 2024 rookie season showed promise with T3 at Valspar and T10 at the RBC Canadian Open. Then 2025 brought struggles. Only one top-10 finish in 26 starts. Earnings dropped to $864,765.

At just 28 years old, unrealized potential still exists. His collegiate legacy shines with seven wins and school records for lowest round (63) and 54-hole score (-19). Yet he’s already made peace with walking away.

Dawson shapes Phillips’ perspective in positive ways. “You ever feeling down? You see how he lives… you realize how good ya got it,” Phillips explained. This laid-back, go-with-the-flow demeanor helps him handle tournament pressure. The impact on his mental game proves invaluable.

Phillips’ acceptance brings certainty. “I’ve faced that fact… like, there’s nothing wrong with that,” he stated firmly. The transition will happen when parents Keith and Chris can no longer provide care. He presents it not as a sacrifice but as a responsibility and love.

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Other golfers who chose family over career

Phillips isn’t the first athlete to choose family over fame. However, he might be the first to declare it so openly while still competing at the highest level.

The sports world shows a generational divide on family priorities. Scottie Scheffler represents a newer perspective by stating that he’d rather be a great father than a great golfer.

Other golfers have made similar choices throughout history. Bill Rogers walked away at 36 in 1988 after complete burnout. “I learned to dislike the game,” Rogers admitted years later. Jack Nicklaus never retired early but made conscious decisions to never be away from family for more than two weeks. Kenny Perry currently serves as primary caregiver for his wife, Sandy, who battles early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.

Athletes with siblings who have disabilities often become advocates for their siblings. Jordan Spieth‘s younger sister, Ellie, has autism spectrum disorder. He founded The Jordan Spieth Family Foundation to help secure educational opportunities for those with special needs. Swiss golfer Albane Valenzuela’s brother Alexis has autism and serves as her caddie in professional events.

Complete retirement for caregiving remains rare among active professional athletes. Most who discuss these responsibilities plan for future transitions rather than immediate departures. This makes Phillips’ publicly stated intention exceptionally notable.

As Phillips tees off Sunday at Port Royal, one shot from the lead, every birdie putt carries dual meaning. He’s securing his present while honoring a future promise to the person who matters most.