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Jean van de Velde is a French professional golfer who’s seen everything this game can throw at you. He turned pro in 1987, won twice on the European Tour - the 1993 Roma Masters and the 2006 Madeira Island Open - and represented France all over the world. He played in multiple World Cups and was part of the 1999 Ryder Cup team for Europe.
Most people know him for The Open at Carnoustie in 1999. He walked onto the 18th tee with a three-shot lead, and what followed became golf folklore. A triple bogey, a playoff loss to Paul Lawrie, and the image of him wading barefoot through the Barry Burn. It’s one of the most replayed moments in golf history.
But it’s also what showed people who Jean really is. The humour. The humility. The grace to turn what could’ve been a career-defining collapse into something bigger: a lesson in perspective.
Since then, he’s split his time between commentary, coaching, and hosting events, while using his platform to support charities and youth development through the Van de Velde Foundation.
Jean’s story isn’t about that one hole at Carnoustie. It’s about what came after. The headlines, the interviews, the endless replays of the same thirty seconds. Most people would’ve walked away. He didn’t.
He talks about perspective like someone who’s actually lived it. No big speeches, no drama. Just the quiet understanding that golf, and life, have a habit of kicking you when they feel like it.
He doesn’t use words like “resilience.” He just kept going. Coaching, commentating, showing up. Still playing the same game that once made him a punchline.
There’s something refreshing about that. No reinvention. No revenge story. Just a guy who carried on and found a bit of peace in it.#
If parts of Jean’s story land with you, these might help:
Coping with Pressure – Every Mind Matters has short, practical tools for dealing with stress and setbacks.
🔗 nhs.uk/every-mind-matters
Finding Balance – Mind has a guide on managing stress and keeping perspective when life or golf feel heavier than usual.
🔗 mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-problems/stress/coping-with-stress
Talking it Out – NHS Talking Therapies lets you self-refer for free counselling anywhere in England.
🔗 nhs.uk/talking-therapies
Therapy and Support (US) – Mental Health America offers free online screenings, resources, and links to affordable therapy options.
🔗 mhanational.org
Connection and Community – Andy’s Man Club runs free men’s talking groups across the UK. For global alternatives, Movember Conversations offers online tools for starting supportive chats with friends anywhere.
🔗 andysmanclub.co.uk | movember.com/conversations
If You’re Struggling Right Now (24/7) –
• UK: Call Samaritans on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org
• US: Dial 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (988lifeline.org)
• Worldwide: Find verified helplines in your country at findahelpline.com
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