
John Bradley J.B. Holmes is an American professional golfer who plays on the PGA Tour. Holmes' golfing journey began when he joined the varsity golf team at Taylor County High School in his hometown of Campbellsville, Kentucky, in the third grade. Since then, Holmes has risen to become a celebrated figure in the world of golf, known for hitting the ball long distances and playing a crucial role in securing the SEC Title for the University of Kentucky. Holmes has also represented the United States in the Walker Cup and achieved notable victories on the PGA Tour, including becoming the fastest golfer to earn $1 million on the tour. However, his career has also been marked by significant challenges, including injuries and a severe health scare that required brain surgery. Despite these obstacles, Holmes has shown resilience and dedication, overcoming adversity to achieve success in the golfing world.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full Name | John Bradley "J.B." Holmes |
| Date of Birth | April 26, 1982 |
| Place of Birth | Campbellsville, Kentucky |
| Education | Taylor County High School, University of Kentucky |
| Caddy | Brandon Parsons |
| Professional Golfer | Yes |
| PGA Tour Participation | Yes |
| Current Status | Unknown due to recent back injury |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn

JB Holmes' golfing career
John Bradley "J.B." Holmes is an American professional golfer born in Campbellsville, Kentucky, on April 26, 1982. He started playing golf at a young age, joining the varsity golf team at Taylor County High School in Campbellsville while in the third grade. Despite suffering from a mild form of dyslexia, Holmes excelled at the sport and played on the Pepsi Junior Golf Tour during his high school years. After high school, he attended the University of Kentucky in Lexington, where he helped the team achieve an SEC Title.
In 2005, Holmes represented the United States in the Walker Cup before turning professional later that year. He quickly made a name for himself in the golfing world by becoming the medalist at the 2005 PGA Tour Qualifying Tournament and tying for tenth in his first PGA Tour at the 2006 Sony Open in Hawaii. Just a month later, in February 2006, Holmes won the FBR Open, becoming the fastest golfer to reach $1,000,000 in career earnings on the PGA Tour. This victory propelled Holmes into the spotlight, and he became known for his impressive driving distance, routinely hitting the ball over 300 yards.
However, Holmes' career also faced setbacks due to injuries and health issues. He underwent brain surgery in 2012 and struggled with elbow and ankle injuries in 2013, limiting his participation in PGA Tour events. Despite these challenges, Holmes persevered and regained his form, winning his first tournament in six years and regaining his Tour status for the 2015-2016 season. He has also faced criticism from fellow professionals and the media for his slow playing style, with one instance in 2018 causing an uproar on social media.
Holmes has continued to compete on the PGA Tour, achieving notable successes along the way. As of 2021, he was still an active golfer, although he has had to withdraw from tournaments due to back injuries. Holmes' most recent appearance was at the 2021 Fortinet Championship, and it is unknown when he will return to the PGA Tour due to his ongoing injury issues.
How Sidespin Affects Golf Shots
You may want to see also
Explore related products

JB Holmes' health issues
John Bradley "J.B." Holmes is an American professional golfer who plays on the PGA Tour. Holmes has faced several health issues throughout his career.
In 2011, Holmes experienced vertigo-like symptoms that affected his play. He withdrew from the PGA Championship after shooting an 80 in the first round. It was later revealed that he had been suffering from vertigo symptoms for months, which led to the discovery of structural defects in his cerebellum, known as Chiari malformations. This health issue required brain surgery, marking a significant setback in his career. Unfortunately, Holmes experienced complications from the surgery, as he was allergic to the adhesive used on the titanium plate at the base of his skull. He had to undergo a second operation and did not play golf for almost six months.
Following his brain surgery, Holmes experienced other health issues, including tennis elbow, which was caused by over-practising when he returned to golf at the end of 2011. In 2013, Holmes suffered a broken ankle in an inline skating accident. These injuries limited him to only six PGA Tour events that year.
Holmes has also dealt with academic challenges due to a mild form of dyslexia, which can affect reading, writing, and spelling. However, he overcame these obstacles through determination and resilience.
Despite these health issues and setbacks, Holmes has shown resilience and dedication to his sport. He has achieved notable victories and made a successful return to the PGA Tour, showcasing his strength of character and perseverance.
Remembering Golfers: American Legends Who Passed Away
You may want to see also
Explore related products

JB Holmes' personal life
John Bradley "J.B." Holmes is an American professional golfer born in Campbellsville, Kentucky, on April 26, 1982. Holmes' journey to becoming a seasoned PGA Tour professional is a testament to his resilience, skill, and determination. He has faced and overcome significant personal and professional challenges, including a severe health scare that put his career on hold.
Holmes' golfing journey began when he joined the varsity golf team at Taylor County High School in Campbellsville while in the third grade. He played baseball growing up until he participated in his first junior golf tournament and went on to win his first four golf tournaments. By the fifth grade, he was already the number one or number two man on the golf team, and as a sophomore, he won the Kentucky high school title.
Holmes' childhood friend, Brandon Parsons, is his caddy, reflecting the deep trust and friendship between them. This partnership extends beyond the golf course, contributing significantly to Holmes' comfort and success. After high school, Holmes attended the University of Kentucky in Lexington, where he excelled in golf, helping the team secure the SEC Title. He represented the United States in the 2005 Walker Cup before turning professional that year.
On a personal note, Holmes is married to Erica Kalbhin since 2013, and they have a son born in 2017. Erica has been a pivotal source of support and played a significant role in launching his golf career. She is the CEO of JB Holmes Golf, managing his sponsorships, endorsement deals, and financial affairs. Additionally, Holmes is open about his Christian faith, which has guided and strengthened him throughout his life and career.
Holmes has also faced health challenges, including vertigo symptoms, which he manages with the help of his service dog, Ace, a Goldendoodle. In 2011, he underwent brain surgery to correct structural defects in the cerebellum known as Chiari malformations. Unfortunately, he had an allergic reaction to the adhesive used, requiring a second surgery. Despite these setbacks, Holmes returned to the PGA Tour in late January 2012, showcasing his determination and love for the sport.
Understanding Golf Scores: A Beginner's Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products

JB Holmes' golfing style
John Bradley "J.B." Holmes is an American professional golfer who plays on the PGA Tour. Holmes's golfing style is characterised by his long drives and compact swing, with driving distances in the range of 300 yards. He has a reputation for being a long hitter of the ball, and his style of play involves smashing the ball as hard as possible off the tee. This approach has influenced a new wave of golfers who prioritise distance over accuracy.
Holmes's golfing journey began at a young age when he joined the varsity golf team at Taylor County High School in his hometown of Campbellsville, Kentucky. He excelled in golf from an early age, playing on the Pepsi Junior Golf Tour and quickly becoming one of the top players on his high school team. After high school, Holmes attended the University of Kentucky in Lexington, where he continued to hone his golfing skills. He represented the United States in the 2005 Walker Cup before turning professional later that year.
Holmes's professional career started with a bang as he medalled at the 2005 PGA Tour Qualifying Tournament and quickly rose to fame in the golfing world. In 2006, he tied for tenth in his first PGA Tour start at the Sony Open in Hawaii, and later that year, he won the FBR Open, becoming the fastest golfer to reach $1,000,000 in career earnings on the PGA Tour. Holmes's golfing style continued to evolve, and he achieved notable successes, such as his performance at the 2008 Ryder Cup, where he defeated Europe's Søren Hansen, contributing to a US victory.
Despite health challenges, including brain surgery in 2011 and subsequent elbow and ankle injuries, Holmes persevered and made a comeback. In 2014, he regained his form, finishing T11 at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans and eventually earning entry into the 2014 PGA Championship. Holmes continued to showcase his golfing prowess, achieving notable finishes at tournaments like the Farmers Insurance Open, Genesis Open, and the World Golf Championships-Cadillac Championship, where he finished as the runner-up.
Holmes's golfing style, characterised by power and distance, has left an impact on the sport, and he continues to be a prominent figure on the PGA Tour.
Sandbagging in Golf: What's the Strategy?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

JB Holmes' notable wins
John Bradley "J.B." Holmes is an American professional golfer who plays on the PGA Tour. Holmes, who was born in Campbellsville, Kentucky, began to play on the varsity golf team at Taylor County High School in Campbellsville when he was in the third grade.
Holmes is known for his compact swing and long drives, routinely hitting his driver as far as he can, reminiscent of John Daly's "Grip it and Rip It" philosophy. This style of play has drawn criticism from some who argue that it eliminates the equalizing effect that golf usually affords shorter, accurate hitters.
- In 2006, Holmes won the FBR Open, making him the fastest golfer to reach $1,000,000 in career earnings on the PGA Tour.
- In 2008, Holmes won the FBR Open for the second time, defeating Phil Mickelson in a playoff. This victory took him to 62nd in the Official World Golf Ranking, and he reached a career-high 42nd in the OWGR that year.
- Holmes was part of the United States team that won the 2008 Ryder Cup. He defeated Europe's Søren Hansen during Sunday's singles matches to bring the U.S. within one point of clinching the cup.
- Holmes earned his fifth PGA Tour title at the Genesis Open, with a playoff victory at the 2015 Houston Open. This win came in his 301st Tour start at the age of 36 years, 9 months, and 22 days.
- Holmes advanced to the FedExCup Playoffs for the 11th time in 12 seasons, making 14 cuts in 24 starts with three top-10s.
- Holmes earned his third career win on the PGA Tour at the Wells Fargo Championship, defeating Jim Furyk by one shot.
- In 2012, Holmes was inducted into the University of Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame.
- In 2016, Holmes was named the recipient of the Ben Hogan Award by the Golf Writers Association of America, in recognition of staying active in golf despite physical handicaps.
Golf Spoon: My Secret Weapon
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
John Bradley "J.B." Holmes is an American professional golfer who plays on the PGA Tour.
Yes, Holmes is still golfing. He made his first start since 2021 at the Farmers Insurance Open.
Holmes became the fastest golfer to earn $1 million on the PGA Tour. He is also known for his long-distance hitting, routinely hitting the ball over 300 yards. In 2008, he reached a career-high 42nd in the OWGR (Official World Golf Ranking).
Holmes has faced several injuries, including a back injury, elbow injuries, and a fractured ankle. He has also undergone brain surgery and dealt with a severe health scare that put his career on hold.
Holmes's golf style has been criticised for ushering in a new wave of golfers dedicated to smashing the ball as far as possible, assisted by newer golf equipment. His style is reminiscent of John Daly's "Grip it and Rip It" philosophy.










































