When it comes to golf, everyone who picks up a club has more than just dreams—they’ve got a story that often goes untold. Take Johannes Veerman, for instance. His rise in the golfing world isn’t just about talent; it’s a story of persistence and a few surprising twists along the way. Born in Southern California and raised on the Texas fairways, Veerman began his college career at the University of Tulsa. A strong freshman season with the Golden Hurricane put him on the radar. But it was his move to Texas A&M that turned everything around, setting him on a path he hadn’t quite expected.

Johannes Veerman wanted to become a doctor before turning to golf

Johannes Veerman’s path to professional golf didn’t exactly follow a straight line. In fact, golf was never the plan at first. Growing up, Veerman dreamed of becoming a doctor, and by the time he transferred to Texas A&M, he was studying pre-med. As a college golfer, he wasn’t a standout by typical standards, although his freshman year at Texas A&M was solid, with an all-region selection and the third-best scoring average on his team at 72.89. But by his senior year, his scores dipped, and his average climbed down to 75.22. Despite these ups and downs, he surprised everyone by turning pro after graduation.

The decision to go pro wasn’t something Veerman always planned on, rather it came from an unexpected turn in his life. At one point, he was actually set on becoming a doctor. “I wanted to be a doctor,” he shared with the European Tour. “I had this firework accident, kind of blew my thumb off, and they put it back together. It was a life-changer. I thought, wow, being a doctor would be amazing because I’d get to make a real difference in people’s lives.”

Still, even while playing for the Texas A&M golf team, medicine was his main goal—at least until some of the doctors he worked with in the ER started joking with him. “They’d say, ‘Johannes, every doctor here wants to be out on the golf course! What do you mean you want to be a doctor?’” he quipped. That’s what made him rethink his professional choices.

It turns out the dream of playing pro golf had been there all along. When Veerman was a kid, he spent three years in England, and during that time, he got to watch the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. He was only nine, but something clicked that day—a little spark for a future in golf. Now, years later, he’s following that spark, showing how sometimes the paths we’re meant to take have been there all along, just waiting for the right moment.

Johannes Veerman’s golfing carrer so far

Since turning pro in 2015, Johannes Veerman’s journey has been all about persistence, with some close calls along the way. He first got a taste of victory on the Asian Development Tour in 2016, winning the Taifong Open. That year, he also tied for second at the Indonesia Open on the Asian Tour. Then in 2017 and 2018, came a series of near-wins, where he finished second at the Yeangder Tournament Players Championship and then runner-up again at the Queen’s Cup.

By 2019, Veerman earned his European Tour card, and his first season was promising, with five top-10 finishes, including a strong fourth place at the Aphrodite Hills Cyprus Showdown. It was in 2021 when he clinched his first victory at the D+D Real Czech Masters on the European Tour. And now, the 32-year-old waits for that next win after a bit of a hiatus. Well, perhaps that win will come soon, especially with a loving family by his side.

Who are his supporters off the course?

Off the course, Johannes Veerman has a strong support system for his wife, Angela, and their young son, Hans. While the details of how Veerman and Angela met remain private, they tied the knot in 2018 and welcomed their first child, Hans, in 2022. Veerman expressed the joy of fatherhood, noting how becoming a dad has reshaped his perspective on time and priorities. “My days have to be so much more structured now, not only does he need me but I also want to be with him,” he shared.

The couple enjoys sharing glimpses of their family life on social media, though Angela tends to keep a low profile and stays out of the spotlight. When not chasing after their toddler in their hometown in Texas, you might find Veerman traveling with his wife, balancing life as a father with his professional career. Despite his success on the course, it’s clear that family remains at the heart of his life.