Opposite Field A Life-Changing Event For Brehm

Ryan Brehm reacts Sunday after winning the Puerto Rico Open, taking advantage of his one opportunity. Photo: Stacy Revere, Getty Images

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FLORIDA | While all the biggest names show up annually at Arnie’s Bay Hill Club or World Golf Championship events, every now and then the bigger story plays out in what are commonly called “opposite events.” One such story was scripted last week in Puerto Rico by Ryan Brehm.

Brehm is a 35-year-old, 6-foot 4-inch chunk of a golfer from Michigan. He looks more like a guy who would have thrown heat out of the bullpen or set a pick as a power forward for Michigan State rather than lead the Spartans to three Big Ten golf championships. Twice he has collected a PGA Tour card and failed to retain it.

“I would say it's probably harder to keep it than get it,” Brehm said.

Because Brehm tested positive for COVID-19 last April before he could team up with Joel Dahmen in the Zurich Classic, he was granted one PGA Tour start this season on a minor medical extension. Wherever he chose...