Jason Caron fired a first-round 65 at the senior tour’s Simmons Bank Championship.
Jason Caron is well-acquainted with the rigors of Tour life.
The 52-year-old golfer navigated the competitive landscape of both the PGA and Korn Ferry tours during the early 2000s before choosing to pivot to a club pro career in the affluent Metropolitan section of New York. For the last decade, Caron has proudly served as the head golf professional at Mill River Club in Oyster Bay, N.Y., where he collaborates daily with his wife Liz, an accomplished former LPGA Tour competitor.
After the birth of their first child in 2013, the Carons likely envisioned leaving their Tour life behind. However, in an unexpected turn of events over the past five months, Jason has embarked on a remarkable journey that may lead him to secure a coveted PGA Tour Champions card.
Caron’s resurgence began when he qualified for the 2024 Senior PGA Championship, where he spectacularly finished T4—marking the best result for a club pro since 2002, showcasing his aptitude and determination.
In June, after getting into the American Family Insurance Championship as an alternate, Caron finished T31, further solidifying his comeback. His journey continued as he moved to compete in the U.S. Senior Open, gaining entry through a local qualifier. Although he missed the cut, the very next month, he secured a spot at the Rogers Charity Classic as an alternate. Impressively, he finished T3 that week, propelling him straight into the following week’s Ally Challenge field, where he placed T47.
In October, Caron was granted a sponsor’s exemption to compete in the Constellation Furyk & Friends, where he once again made his mark, finishing T4. His consistent performance earned him an entry into the SAS Championship, where he wrapped up his latest tournament with a T47 finish, maintaining his upward trajectory.
Why this pro’s first senior-tour winner’s check could be worth so much more
In just seven tournaments, Caron amassed enough Charles Schwab Cup points to secure a place in the Charles Schwab Cup Championship playoff series, which commenced with the Dominion Energy Charity Classic last week. Caron completed the event tied for 26th, putting him at No. 53 on the points list—just enough to qualify for this week’s Simmons Bank Championship, which is exclusive to the top 54 players on that list.
With $446,734 in earnings this year, Caron’s story would already be impressive, but after executing an exceptional opening round of seven-under 65 at Pleasant Valley Country Club in Little Rock, Ark., on Friday, Caron finds himself just three strokes off the lead. If he can maintain his current T3 standing, projections suggest he could leapfrog to No. 35 on the points list. The finishing positions are crucial, as the top 36 players at the end of this tournament not only clinch a full exemption for the 2025 PGA Tour Champions but also gain entry into the prestigious Charles Schwab Cup Championship at Phoenix Country Club in November—a coveted season finale that boasts a staggering $1 million bonus payout for the top finisher.
This exhilarating prospect hangs over Caron’s head, but he remains grounded, stating that he is not focused on future possibilities.
“I’m not trying to think of too much out there, to be honest,” he reflected after play. “I’m not trying to get too far ahead of myself. I know this is kind of like—I don’t want to say it’s a free week, but it feels that way a bit because there’s really nothing to lose for me regardless. Everyone probably knows that’s been watching golf of late. I mean, I have a job at Mill River, so I feel very fortunate there. This is just kind of like a bonus. We’ll see what happens.”
With a fulfilling job that he cherishes and two young daughters waiting at home, Caron stands out among this week’s competitors by avoiding the intense pressure of potentially earning a senior Tour card.
“I already know my deal,” he explained. “My deal is I have a job and that’s No. 1. I have two young girls and I want to be around to watch them grow up. This extra stuff out here is just a bonus for me.”
Depending on the outcome of the weekend, this bonus could exceed all expectations.
Interview with Jason Caron: Resurgence on the Senior Tour
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Jason. First off, congratulations on your stellar first-round 65 at the Simmons Bank Championship! How does it feel to be back competing at such a high level?
Jason Caron: Thank you! It feels incredible to be back out here competing again after so many years. The support from my family and the experience I’ve gained over the years have really helped me. That 65 was a great way to kick things off, and it instills a lot of confidence in my game.
Editor: You’ve had quite the journey to get to this point, transitioning from a club pro life back to the competitive scene. What prompted you to return to the Tour after being at Mill River Club for the past decade?
Jason Caron: Well, after the birth of our first child in 2013, I thought I’d settled into a life away from the Tour. But the urge to compete never fully left me. Over the last five months, I had some opportunities that reignited that flame. Qualifying for the 2024 Senior PGA Championship and finishing fourth was a turning point that motivated me to keep pushing forward.
Editor: Your results have been impressive, including several strong finishes in key events. What has been the most significant moment for you during this comeback?
Jason Caron: I think each tournament brought its own set of challenges, but placing T4 at the Constellation Furyk & Friends was definitely a highlight. It reaffirmed my belief that I still have what it takes to compete at this level. The added benefit of competing in the playoffs has been thrilling as well.
Editor: You mentioned the support from your family. How crucial has your wife, Liz, who is an accomplished LPGA player herself, been in your journey back to the Tour?
Jason Caron: Liz has been my rock! We work together at the club, and her understanding of the game and competitive environment is invaluable. She knows the mental and physical demands of the sport, so having her insights and support throughout this comeback has been incredibly beneficial.
Editor: With your current standings and the earnings you’ve accumulated this year, what are your goals moving forward?
Jason Caron: The immediate goal is to keep building on my momentum to secure a spot for the Charles Schwab Cup Championship. Long-term, I hope to continue to gain experience and, ideally, earn that elusive PGA Tour Champions card.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your story, Jason. We wish you the best of luck in the upcoming rounds at the Simmons Bank Championship and beyond!
Jason Caron: Thank you! I appreciate the support, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.
Abilities and reminded me that I can still compete with the best. Each event has been a unique experience, and I’ve enjoyed the process of getting back into the swing of things.
Editor: You mentioned that you’re not putting too much pressure on yourself despite the potential for a senior Tour card. What keeps you grounded amidst the excitement of your recent successes?
Jason Caron: I’ve always placed family first, and that perspective has made a huge difference for me. I have a job at Mill River that I love, and I’m grateful for my wonderful wife and our two daughters. When I’m on the course, I view everything as a bonus, and that mindset helps me focus on enjoying the game rather than stressing over the outcomes.
Editor: Looking ahead, how do you plan to approach the rest of the Simmons Bank Championship and the possible implications moving forward?
Jason Caron: My approach remains the same: take it one shot at a time and enjoy the experience. I’m going to continue focusing on my game and let the results take care of themselves. If I can remain calm and composed, then I believe good things will come.
Editor: Thank you, Jason, for sharing your journey and insights with us. We wish you all the best this weekend and beyond!
Jason Caron: Thank you! I appreciate the support and look forward to what lies ahead.
