Hard to Kill

Jeff Overton’s last top-10 finish came at the RSM Classic in November of 2015. The 3,706 days since have included a spinal infection that left Overton fighting for his life—and a long, uncertain road back.

The 2010 Ryder Cup team member played only a handful of events in recent years, making just one Korn Ferry Tour cut in each of the past three seasons. That changed this week. Overton, now 42, closed his final round at The Bahamas Golf Classic at Atlantis Paradise Island with a six-under 66, finishing 23-under for the tournament and tied for third.

“It’s not the win, but I gave it everything I had and it was fun to compete,” Overton told Monday Q Info’s Ryan French after the round. “I love golf. I love playing. I love competing.”

In 2017, Overton received an injection to treat a herniated disc in his back and developed a severe spinal infection. The complication became life-threatening and altered the trajectory of his career—and his life. He spent significant time hospitalized and required two months of IV antibiotics. At his lowest point, even taking a few steps a day was a struggle. Recovery came in painful, incremental stages that stretched on for years.

Overton didn’t return to a world-ranked event until 2022—a remarkable comeback in itself. While grateful just to tee it up again, his game hadn’t fully returned.

That changed in the Bahamas. Overton reached six-under through 12 holes in the final round and found himself at the top of the leaderboard. He closed with six pars to finish four shots behind winner Taylor Dickson. His T-3 finish earned just under $48,000 and secured his spot in next week’s Great Abaco Classic at The Abaco Club.

Overton had planned to travel to Miami to cheer on his alma mater, Indiana University, at the CFP National Championship game. Those plans changed after his best result in a decade.

“It’s pretty cool to be up there at the top of the leaderboard,” Overton said. “When the putter’s going, you’ve got to keep putting.”

Regardless of who hoists the national championship trophy, Overton will spend the week doing something he once wasn’t sure he’d ever do again—compete.

“It’s a little surreal,” he said. “I’m lucky to be alive. I’m hard to kill.”