“Worth a Lot”: Peter Malnati Uses Yellow Ball Due to an Extra Sweet Reason; Explored

The Valspar Championship is reaching its conclusion, and Peter Malnati finds himself tied for the T2 position till the end of the third round. With five birdies and a 3-under 68, he improved to 8-under 205 that might just be helping the American maintain his lead, going to the final round.

Despite this performance prompting fans to keep an eye on Malnati, he captured the crowd’s attention with something else. He was noticed playing with a yellow ball instead of the usual white one, igniting curiosity among the fans. Some fans speculated that Titleist was giving him a little extra incentive to play with the yellow ball. However, the true reason behind it proved to be simple yet charming.

After the round, the American pro was asked about the colorful ball, and he responded, “Well, I started using it in Minnesota at the 3M (Open) last summer.” The pro continued, “And the reason I switched to it is because my, at the time, three-year-old (Hatcher), who is now four, liked them.” Since that time, the 36-year-old pro has remained committed to using a yellow ball.

Although it has been a while since then, and his son might have moved on from it now, but the golfer “still” thinks of “him, and that’s worth a smile or two.” As a 36-year-old father, he prioritizes his son’s smile above everything else and that smile “is worth a lot out there for me.” Expressing the significance it holds and the reason why he continues to stick with the yellow ball.

The father-son relationship between Hatcher and Malnati is not a recent occurrence, as the duo has shared some adorable moments in the past as well. In 2022, during the Wyndham Championship, the American pro carried his son, Hatcher, to the post-match interview. It was interrupted in the most adorable fashion by the little one as Hatcher wanted to “give” his father a “hug” kept on saying “Hiiiiiiiiiii.”

They say that for a parent, their child is the most treasured one! There was once an anecdote when Malnati proved it and left everyone on the greens gushing over the love he has for his son.

Peter Malnati treasures his son immensely

At the 2023 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, when everyone was eyeing the precious silverware, Malnati had his eyes set on spending a few extra cuddling moments with his son. Although he did not win on the final day, he sure celebrated like it. As he moved from the 18th hole, he saw his son dressed in an adorable blue and black outfit, and the sheer love pouring from Hather’s eyes for his “Dadda” was evident. As he lifted up his little one in his arms, he lovingly said, “I got the trophy.”

The American has always prioritized his family and kids as much as he prioritizes his professional life. Nevertheless, these cute moments, whether on the course or not, serve as heartwarming incidents for both the pros and the fans.

Who do you think will emerge victorious at the 2024 Valspar Championship? Do let us know in the comments!

Read More: Meet Peter Malnati’s Wife, Alicia H. Malnati: Her Lifestyle, Career, and Other Interests Explored