JUNO BEACH, FLORIDA| At first glance, Johnny DelPrete reminds one of Scottie Scheffler. Both have large frames with dark hair and tanned features. Both are low-key and very approachable. And both played golf for a living – and for most of their lives.
DelPrete was introduced to golf at an early age. “I took him out when he was 3 years old,” said his father, John. “He loved being out there every day. Absolutely loved it.”
He never stopped loving it. DelPrete spent seven years chasing the little white ball and the dream of winning tournaments and millions of dollars. He turned professional in 2010 after an outstanding collegiate career at Louisville and being named all-area in high school at powerhouse Benjamin School in North Palm Beach. As a sophomore.
But when his career failed to gain traction – DelPrete made eight Korn Ferry Tour starts from 2012-14 and also competed on PGA Tour Canada and PGA Tour China – he knew it was time to stop chasing that dream. Not everyone can have the success of Scheffler.
“I kind of gave myself a time limit,” the 34-year-old DelPrete said of making the PGA Tour. “When I reached that time limit, I wanted to get into the real world and start making a living.”
DelPrete transitioned nicely into a stellar real estate career in which he can use his connections and personality to earn eye-popping checks in the high-end Palm Beaches market. He recently was honored for being among the top 8 percent of agents at Douglas Elliman.
Now when he plays golf – as he did last weekend at the George L. Coleman Invitational at Seminole Golf Club – it’s just for fun. Make no mistake: DelPrete can still play golf.
“It’s a lot more enjoyable because there’s no added pressure to it. You’re just grateful to be out here.”
Johnny DelPrete, talking about playing as an amateur
He finished 16th in the ultra-competitive Mid-Amateur division, opening with rounds of 71 and 72 before struggling – like everybody else – with an 83 in the wind-filled final round Saturday. DelPrete, who tied for sixth place last year, took the ups and downs in stride.
“It’s a lot more enjoyable because there’s no added pressure to it,” DelPrete said of playing as an amateur. “You’re just grateful to be out here, especially a place like Seminole. It’s always a great day.”
Though he might go a month without playing a round, DelPrete showed late in the second round that he still has plenty of game with his performance on Seminole’s difficult three-hole finishing stretch.
At the par-4 16th, he pulled his approach left, leaving him short-sided to the left pin. But he hit an exquisite chip that side-spinned to tap-in distance.
At the par-3 17th – one of the hardest short holes in golf, especially with the wind whipping off the Atlantic Ocean – DelPrete laced his tee shot to 15 feet and made the putt for one of only five birdies on the day.
DelPrete finished his round by splitting the fairway at the 18th. His approach came up just short of the green, and he barely missed a lightning-quick downhill, downwind putt – on the “pro side,” naturally.
“That was a nice finish,” he said.
While DelPrete no longer makes a living playing golf, he doesn’t have to look far to see someone who does – his wife, Jessica Korda, one of the top players on the LPGA Tour and the older sister of world No. 1 Nelly Korda. They married in late 2021 and this year celebrated the birth of their first child, Greyson John.
Not to say that Greyson John is likely headed to a career in golf, but the proud parents already have a Scotty Cameron putter with the details of his birth etched into the blade.
“Johnny’s a great dad,” his father, John said.
He wasn’t a bad caddie, either, when Korda fired her looper in the middle of the third round of the 2013 U.S. Women’s Open and DelPrete carried her bag the rest of the round.
There are not many top amateur golfers (who were former pros) who would have no chance at beating their wife in a match. He’s one of them.
DelPrete laughed when this was mentioned to him before saying, “We actually don’t play that much. She’s always on the road. Now that we have Greyson, I’m waiting for her to start practicing and playing. Maybe we’ll start playing next year.”
After he stopped playing professionally, DelPrete worked briefly as a Scotty Cameron rep before finding his sweet spot in real estate. There was no second-guessing his decision.
“I love real estate. I love every component of it,” DelPrete said. “Working with all types of people and properties, it’s always something new, which is what keeps you going.”
It’s always an adjustment for someone when golf goes from being a livelihood and occupying every thought to being a game of enjoyment. It usually doesn’t take long to make that adjustment.
“This is a blast,” he said. “It’s such a different approach than when you play professionally. This golf course is spectacular, and the staff and the members treat everybody so well this week.”
DelPrete said he dials back his expectations when he plays in the Coleman. His measure of success has changed.
“It’s always a successful week just being out here,” he said. “Being able to play three straight days of golf on a golf course like this … everyone’s a winner.”
SCORING
E-MAIL CRAIG
Top: After not finding success as a professional golfer, Johnny DelPrete now plays for fun, including playing in the 2019 U.S. Mid-Amateur.
chris keane, usga