Aaron Wise Returns to PGA Tour Contention After Mental Health Recovery

Aaron Wise has returned to legitimate PGA Tour contention at the ISCO Championship after stepping away from professional golf in 2023 to address severe mental health challenges. The 30-year-old, who won the AT&T Byron Nelson in 2018 and earned Rookie of the Year honors at age 21, sat just one stroke off the lead following the third round, positioning himself for a potential return to the winner's circle for the first time in seven years.

The Road Back From Withdrawal

Wise's decision to withdraw from The Masters in 2023 marked a turning point in his career. The golfer revealed the depth of his struggles during that period, disclosing that his challenges extended far beyond the practice range. "I didn't even want to go have dinner with friends. Like I was in a really, really bad place," he explained to media covering the ISCO Championship. The mental health crisis had stripped away not only his passion for golf but his ability to engage in basic social activities.

The recovery process proved gradual and deliberate. Rather than rushing back to competition, Wise focused on rebuilding his life away from the golf course. "I kind of built that back up first, got to feeling like myself off the golf course and started introducing golf again," he said. After returning in May 2023, he played sparingly—appearing in just four tournaments that year. Throughout 2024, he competed in only one PGA Tour event, the Puerto Rico Open. In 2025, he increased activity across both the PGA Tour and Korn Ferry Tour circuits, though results remained modest.

Reagan's Role in the Comeback

A significant development in Wise's return has been his wife Reagan's presence on the bag as his caddy. During the third round at the ISCO Championship, Wise spoke candidly about her importance to his performance and mindset. "She's definitely someone I'll lean on tomorrow," he said, adding that Reagan helps him remain focused on the moment rather than fixating on outcomes. Her role extends beyond traditional caddy responsibilities—she provides the emotional stability and presence that have proven essential to Wise's reengagement with competitive golf.

The partnership reflects a broader shift in how Wise approaches the sport. "It's someone I feel I can lean on," he stated, emphasizing that Reagan keeps him "present, keep me in the moment, and have fun no matter what's going on." This philosophy represents a fundamental change from the intensity that previously characterized his professional approach.

Recent Performance and Momentum

At the ISCO Championship, Wise carded back-to-back rounds of 65 to position himself 10-under through 36 holes, sitting three strokes behind leader Lucas Glover at the midway point. He then followed with a 66 in the third round, leaving him one shot off the lead heading into the final round. The performances suggest that his extended recovery period has translated into renewed competitive ability. He referenced recent momentum from the John Deere Classic, where he finished in contention alongside multiple top finishers, describing those experiences as "great steps" toward rebuilding his competitive confidence.