Diagnosed with MD in 2017, Morgan Hoffmann makes remarkable return to PGA Tour, shoots 71 in first action in 923 days

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. – If one didn’t know the fascinating tale of Morgan Hoffmann, he or she would have had no idea watching him play golf in Thursday’s first round of the RBC Heritage that he was diagnosed in 2017 with muscular dystrophy.

They would have seen no hints that the disease had savagely attacked the former muscle-bound, world No. 1 amateur’s body and sent him worldwide in search of alternative cures involving non-conventional and ancient treatments, a journey that led to his current residence in the jungles and mountains of Costa Rica, where he lives with his wife, three dogs, two cats and healthy doses of peace and purpose.

That some of the healing choices along the way included urine therapy, a diet of hundreds of grapes per day, potent hallucinogens – and plenty of meditation and surfing.

No, there were no signs of his daily battle against an incurable disease. Instead, they saw a happy, healthier Hoffmann fire an even-par 71 on Harbour Town Golf Links in his first action on the PGA Tour in 923 days.

In his remarkable return, he had three birdies and three bogeys, at one time reaching 2 under. He’s still regaining more strength – he averaged 275 yards on the measured holes. He split the fairway on the first hole with his first shot and hit 80 percent of the fairways on the tight course he adores.

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Ahead of his first round, he said he felt like a 12-year-old playing an AJGA event, that he just hoped to have fun and smile a lot. Mission accomplished.

“A lot of fun moments today,” he said. “I felt great. The first tee shot wasn’t as nerve-racking as I thought it would be. The game didn’t feel anywhere near as bad as I thought it was, so it was pretty exciting.

“I didn’t have really any goals of a score, I guess, per se, but I was just trying to hit it solid. I mean, 80 percent of (the shots) were decent enough. So I hit some balls on the range after, and I think I should have a good round tomorrow.”

Harold Varner III, who shot 67, played with Hoffmann and said he’s “still good at golf. It’s like riding a bike. Obviously it’s going to take a while to get the rust off, but it’s just good to see him.”

Hoffmann is playing on a medical exemption and has three starts to regain full playing status for the rest of the season. But right now he’s focused on Friday.

“I’m going to go kind of by the seat of my pants on this one, hoping that I play well. If I don’t get my card back in the three starts, hopefully get some sponsor’s exemptions for the rest of the year,” Hoffmann said. “If I don’t get sponsor’s exemptions, probably try to Monday (qualify) in a few.”

Hoffmann is eight shots behind pace-setting Cameron Young, who shot a bogey-free 63. Joaquin Niemann is at 65. Six players – Patrick Cantlay, Graeme McDowell, Shane Lowry, Sepp Straka, Miro Pereira and Corey Conners – are at 66. Conners punctuated his round with an ace on the seventh hole – a 7-iron from 187 yards. It was his fourth ace in the past three seasons, the most of any player.

As for Hoffman, he isn’t back just to play golf. He hopes to raise awareness that non-conventional treatments can help people in search of improving health, that there are many paths to getting better. In 2017, Hoffmann and his wife established the Morgan Hoffmann Foundation to help the fight against muscular dystrophy. Their goal is to build a wellness center in Costa Rica, tentatively called Nekawa, which is awaken spelled backward.

“It was pretty surreal today, a lot different than the lifestyle I’ve been living the last 2½ years, and having people cheer your name out there, it’s very special,” he said. “Having the support and the media and getting that kind of focus on what we’re trying to build, the natural health and wellness center in Costa Rica, it’s going to be great. I’m really excited about the outcome and the building process.”

He’s excited about his game, too. He loves how he’s putting but knows he needs to get longer – repetitions will help in that area.

“I love this game so much,” he said. “It’s so difficult. I had a great time out there. I think the game’s closer than I thought, and it’s exciting. I’m pumped.”