Max Homa Embraces Change to Rediscover Joy in Golf as New Season Kicks Off in Hawaii

Max Homa is stepping into the new year with a fresh perspective and a revamped approach to his golf career. After a challenging 2024 season that left him questioning his place in the sport, Homa has embraced significant changes in his equipment, apparel, and even his coaching. As the PGA Tour kicks off in Kapalua, Hawaii, the golfer is determined to rediscover the joy that once defined his game. Gone are the familiar black pants and Footjoy gear; instead, Homa has opted for Lululemon apparel, a choice that signifies a broader shift in his golfing identity. The vibrant pinkish-red shirt and sleek white Pumas are emblematic of a golfer who is ready to embrace a new era. He has also transitioned from Titleist to Cobra clubs, with a custom set designed to suit his game better. These changes reflect not just a desire for performance improvements, but also an attempt to rejuvenate his enthusiasm for the sport. Homa's changes are not merely superficial. After years of working with coach Mark Blackburn, the two parted ways in August, paving the way for him to team up with John Scott Ratton from Congressional Country Club. While the timing of these transitions may appear to be a direct response to a disappointing season—one that saw zero wins and limited top finishes—Homa insists that the evolution of his career was a natural progression rather than a reactionary measure. “It all just kind of happened,” Homa remarked, downplaying the narrative that these shifts were a desperate attempt to reset his career. He acknowledges the pressure that comes with high expectations and the toll it has taken on his enjoyment of the game. The golfer had openly shared his struggles, admitting that in a year filled with frustration, golf became a source of misery rather than joy. The offseason changes are intended to bring a sense of freshness to Homa's routine, a refreshing contrast to the "Groundhog Day" monotony that often characterizes professional golf. In his own words, "if everything is different, none of it's different," suggesting that while the external factors have changed, his intrinsic love for the game remains steadfast. Homa’s latest journey begins in Hawaii, where he has been seen enjoying the company of temporary caddie Michael Greller, well-known for his role with Jordan Spieth. The camaraderie between Homa and Greller has been palpable, marked by laughter and a relaxed atmosphere on the course—a stark departure from the pressures Homa faced in the previous year. Despite the external changes, Homa retains some constants in his golf life, including his longstanding relationship with his caddie, Joe Greiner, who is taking a brief hiatus for personal reasons. The bond between Homa and Greiner has been a cornerstone of his career, and Greller's temporary role has introduced a lightness that Homa appears to welcome. As he navigates this new chapter, Homa's focus remains on rekindling the joy that initially drew him to golf. He expresses a deep commitment to the sport, emphasizing that his drive to excel is rooted in a passion for playing well rather than the allure of financial rewards. This fundamental realization could be the catalyst he needs to transform his game in 2025. With a new year ahead and a renewed sense of purpose, Max Homa stands ready to take on whatever challenges come his way. He is hopeful that the changes he has made—inside and outside the ropes—will lead to a more fulfilling and successful season. Only time will tell if these adjustments will yield the results he desires, but one thing is clear: Homa is determined to reclaim the joy that has fueled his journey in golf.