Taylor Dickson’s journey to the PGA Tour is a story of perseverance. After a decade grinding on mini-tours and the Korn Ferry circuit, the 32-year-old finally earned his Tour card in 2024. Now competing among golf’s elite, Dickson brings an unconventional swing and a loyal fanbase rooting for his underdog success.
Here’s an in-depth look at his career, finances, and personal life.
Taylor Dickson’s Biography
Category | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Taylor Dickson |
Born | October 7, 1992 (Age 32) |
Birthplace | Gastonia, North Carolina, USA |
Nationality | American |
Height | 6’0” |
College | Winthrop University |
Turned Pro | 2015 |
Net Worth | ~$1.2 million |
Spouse | LeeAnn Dickson |
Relationship | Married |
N/A |
Early Career
Taylor Dickson’s path to professional golf began later than most. At 15, he shifted from soccer and basketball to golf after his friend Harold Varner III (now a PGA Tour player) introduced him to the sport.
Despite starting late, Dickson’s raw athleticism helped him earn co-Golfer of the Year honors in his high school district by his senior year. He attended Winthrop University from 2011 to 2015, where he quietly developed his game.
His college career peaked in 2013 with a win at the Pinetree Intercollegiate and a U.S. Amateur qualification, though he remained relatively unnoticed in the broader amateur circuit. After turning pro in 2015, Dickson faced immediate challenges. Without status on the Korn Ferry Tour, he spent years grinding on mini-tours like the Florida Elite Tour and SwingThought Tour, where events often featured sub-$10,000 purses.
Financial strain was constant—he took odd jobs to fund travel and entry fees—but his persistence kept him afloat. A turning point came in 2023 when he earned eight Korn Ferry Tour starts via Q-school, setting the stage for his eventual breakthrough.
Professional Career
Taylor Dickson’s professional journey is a testament to resilience. After turning pro in 2015, he spent nearly a decade navigating golf’s lower tiers, grinding on mini-tours like the Florida Elite Tour and SwingThought Tour, where purses rarely exceeded $10,000. Financial challenges forced him to take odd jobs between tournaments, but his determination never wavered.
A pivotal shift came in 2023 when he earned eight Korn Ferry Tour starts via Q-school, finishing 39th in the season standings—just nine spots shy of a PGA Tour card. His 2024 Korn Ferry Tour season cemented his breakthrough.
In March, Dickson rallied from seven strokes back at the Astara Chile Classic, sinking a clutch birdie on the 72nd hole to force a playoff, which he won with a par. Three months later, he dominated the Wichita Open, securing a five-stroke victory.
A T3 finish at the Price Cutter Charity Championship in July 2024 locked up his PGA Tour card for 2025, capping a career-defining year. Dickson’s PGA Tour rookie season began with mixed results. At the 2025 Sony Open, he birdied four of his final eight holes to avoid elimination, finishing T72 and earning $17,226.
However, missed cuts at the American Express and Farmers Insurance Open highlighted the steep learning curve of golf’s top tier. His unorthodox pre-shot routine—setting his clubhead past the ball—remains a talking point, though he credits it for maintaining rhythm under pressure.
Wife
Taylor married LeeAnn, his longtime partner, in a private ceremony.
The couple resides in Gastonia, often seen supporting local sports teams like the NFL’s Carolina Panthers.
Taylor Dickson’s Net Worth Details
Taylor Dickson’s net worth is estimated to be $1.2 million as of 2025.
Career Earnings
Year | Tour | Earnings |
---|---|---|
2015–2022 | Mini-Tours | ~$150,000 |
2023 | Korn Ferry Tour | $410,000 |
2024 | Korn Ferry Tour | $920,000 |
2025 | PGA Tour | $17,226* |
Total | ~$1,497,226 |
Endorsements
Taylor Dickson’s endorsement portfolio leans toward specialty brands rather than mainstream giants. He currently partners with Titleist for clubs and FootJoy for shoes, standard for rising PGA Tour pros. His standout sponsorship is with Swag Golf, which designed his viral Happy Gilmore-themed bag for the 2025 Sony Open—a nod to Adam Sandler’s golf comedy.
Swag also supplies his headwear and plans future collaborations featuring themes from The Big Lebowski and Ace Ventura. While Dickson lacks major corporate deals, his partnerships reflect a focus on personality-driven brands, appealing to fans who value authenticity over corporate polish. As his PGA Tour journey progresses, expect regional or lifestyle brands to align with his underdog narrative.
Career Stats
Category | 2025 PGA Tour Avg | Dickson’s Stats |
---|---|---|
Driving | ||
Driving Distance | 298 yards | 297.6 yards |
Fairways Hit | 62% | 58% |
AccuracDrivingy | ||
Greens in Regulation (GIR) | 67% | 63% |
Scrambling | 57% | 54% |
Scoring | ||
Putting Average (per hole) | 1.75 | 1.80 |
Par Breakers | 22.4% | 18.80% |
Bogey Avoidance | 12.5% | 17.09% |
Strokes Gained | ||
Off-the-Tee | +0.2 | -0.793 |
Approach | +0.1 | -1.292 |
Around the Green | +0.05 | +0.324 |
Putting | +0.3 | -0.370 |
Total | +0.65 | -2.132 |
FAQs
1. How old is Taylor Dickson?
Taylor Dickson is 32 years old as of 2025, born on October 7, 1992, in Gastonia, North Carolina. He began playing golf at age 15 after initially focusing on soccer and basketball. Dickson turned professional in 2015 following his college career at Winthrop University.
2. What is Taylor Dickson’s net worth?
Taylor Dickson’s estimated net worth is $1.2 million, primarily from tournament earnings. His 2024 Korn Ferry Tour wins ($920,000) and 2025 PGA Tour starts ($17,226+) contribute significantly. Endorsements with Titleist and FootJoy add modest income.
3. Who is Taylor Dickson’s wife?
Taylor Dickson married LeeAnn Pearson in October 2024 in Gastonia, North Carolina. The couple resides in his hometown and frequently attends Carolina Panthers NFL games.
4. Where did Taylor Dickson play college golf?
Dickson played collegiate golf at Winthrop University (2011–2015), winning the 2013 Pinetree Intercollegiate and qualifying for the U.S. Amateur. He graduated with two tournament victories and a reputation for consistency.
5. How did Taylor Dickson qualify for the PGA Tour?
Dickson earned his 2025 PGA Tour card via the 2024 Korn Ferry Tour, securing two wins (Astara Chile Classic, Wichita Open) and a T3 finish. His season earnings ($920,000) placed him in the top 30 of the points list.
6. What are Taylor Dickson’s career earnings?
As of March 2025, Taylor Dickson has earned ~$1.49 million professionally: $150,000+ on mini-tours (2015–2022), $1.33 million on the Korn Ferry Tour (2023–2024), and $17,226+ on the PGA Tour.
7. What is unique about Taylor Dickson’s golf swing?
Dickson sets his clubhead past the ball before his backswing, a habit he adopted eight years ago. Though unconventional, he credits it for rhythm and alignment. Analysts note it may impact driving accuracy (58% fairways hit in 2025).
8. Who influenced Taylor Dickson’s golf career?
Coach Bruce Sudderth and friend Harold Varner III shaped Dickson’s career. Sudderth mentored him at Winthrop, emphasizing course management. Varner, a PGA Tour pro, inspired Dickson to switch from soccer to golf at age 15.
9. What teams does Taylor Dickson support?
Dickson is a devoted Carolina Panthers (NFL) fan, often attending games with his wife. He also supports local Gastonia sports teams and participates in community events.
10. How many Korn Ferry Tour wins does Taylor Dickson have?
Dickson has two Korn Ferry Tour wins: the 2024 Astara Chile Classic (playoff victory) and the 2024 Wichita Open (five-stroke win). These triumphs secured his PGA Tour card after nine years as a professional.