The former Rookie of the Year reveals the grueling reality of his two-year hiatus, rediscovering his passion for competition after prioritizing recovery over the professional circuit.
Aaron Wise is back competing on the PGA Tour, but for the former Rookie of the Year, simply making it back inside the ropes is a victory that goes far beyond golf.
During CBS' coverage of the John Deere Classic, Wise reflected on the mental health struggles that forced him to step away from the game, revealing that continuing to compete had reached a point where it was doing more harm than good.
"It’s been long and difficult... I’ve done a lot of great things in the game, but I was in a place where it was harmful for me to be out here and playing," Wise said. "I wasn’t enjoying it anymore and took a step back and met some great people along the way who helped me with my journey."
Rather than continuing to push through those challenges, he chose to step away and focus on getting the help he needed. Looking back, he said that decision changed his perspective and allowed him to rediscover the enjoyment that had disappeared from his career.
The 2018 AT&T Byron Nelson champion explained that while professional golf will always come with pressure, he now feels much better equipped to handle those moments. Through working with people who supported him during his time away, Wise said he has developed healthier ways to manage stress and approach competition with a calmer mindset.
Wise's absence from the PGA Tour began in 2023 when he withdrew from the Masters Tournament just days before it started, citing the need to prioritize his mental health. After that announcement, he made only a handful of starts over the next two seasons while focusing primarily on his recovery instead of tournament golf.
The road back has not been easy.
Wise acknowledged that nearly two years away from regular competition made him appreciate both his talent and the incredible amount of work required to succeed at the highest level.
"It’s been a lot of work at home trying to get the game ready to be out here, feel like I am sharp enough to compete out here. And I feel like I’m slowly turning over those leaves. I thought the process would be a lot quicker than it has been. It’s been a lot longer than I thought, but it’s been super fulfilling and I’ve really enjoyed the work again, which is something I wasn’t doing when I decided to step away."
His performance at the John Deere Classic reflected that progress. Wise entered the final round inside the top 15, marking his first made cut of the 2026 PGA Tour season and putting him in position for his best finish in years.
While the leaderboard is certainly encouraging, Wise's story serves as a reminder that sometimes the biggest win is finding a healthy balance, rediscovering a love for the game and proving that taking time away to prioritize mental health can ultimately lead to a stronger return.
