“This is my major. ‘I’ve wanted this more than anything,” Jerry Kelly said after winning the 2019 American Family Insurance Championship. This moment was historically the most emotional achievement in his life, as the tournament took place in his hometown of Madison, Wisconsin, where he had the chance to celebrate the win in front of family, friends, and local fans. The victory was especially meaningful to Kelly, as it fulfilled a lifelong dream of winning a professional tournament on home soil, where he is deeply rooted. He has always credited his loved ones as the support behind his victory.
The night before the final round of the 2024 SAS Championship, he dreamt of his late friend and family member, Jon Trasamar, who offered him advice in the dream, telling him to keep his feet calm. “Johnny, I’m keeping my feet calm,” said Kelly. And guess what? He did win that tournament and dedicated his win to Jon Trasamar, and her niece was married to Jon. There is no doubt that his family plays a major role in his victories over the years in his career; he does not shy away from admitting that—he is a big-time family guy! So, who are his immediate family and support pillars? Let us get to know each other!
His wife, the ultimate support behind the camera
Jerry Kelly and his wife, Carol Kelly, have shared a long-standing and supportive relationship throughout his professional golf career. Jerry and Carol’s relationship began in Madison, Wisconsin, where Jerry was born and raised. They’ve built their life and family in this hometown, staying grounded even as Jerry traveled the world for golf. Carol has maintained a low public profile; she has rarely given interviews or appeared in the media, but she’s frequently been by Jerry’s side at key tournaments and life moments.
Even when she was battling cancer, she did not leave his side. In the fall of 2021, Carol underwent surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from her right kidney. Her treatments did not stop her from being by Kelly’s side; she indeed attended the 2022 Bridgestone Senior Players Championship, where Jerry secured his second victory in this event. “There was a strain, mentally, on both of us, but now we can be excited and move forward,” Kelly said, according to Fox6. Just before his tournament started that Friday, Kelly and his wife Carol got great news from her doctors: her kidney cancer hadn’t come back.
This story of love and support, both on the course and beyond, continues even into 2025, as seen during the Regions Tradition tournament. Reflecting on his journey, Kelly said in a PGA Tour Champions post, “It’s always on the Carol dissertation… she’s the reason that I am here right now, and that’s pretty awesome.” He’s never shy about admitting that without Carol, he might’ve drifted away from golf long ago. She’s been the rock holding it all together. And while spouses like Carol are often the kids, they quietly hold up the sails too because in a family this close-knit, everyone’s part of the journey, whether in the spotlight or behind it.
Kelly and Carol have a son together named Cooper Kelly. Cooper has kept a private life away from the public eye, but in a family where the bonds are stronger than anything, not being part of each other’s success is nearly impossible. So, while he may not have publicly shown his support, that doesn’t mean he hasn’t been there for his dad.
Other support systems played an equally important role
Eric Meller has been Kelly’s caddie for 15 years, unbelievable, right? More than a decade together! He’s been a huge part of Kelly’s professional golf journey. The two have one of those rare, quietly strong partnerships built on trust, familiarity, and a lot of subtle support behind the scenes that’s shaped Kelly’s career.
At the 2021 Principal Charity Classic, Kelly was struggling with his form. It was Meller who spotted a minor flaw in his posture—a subtle shift in alignment that Kelly hadn’t noticed. Acting on that cue, Kelly went on a tear with six consecutive birdies, eventually finishing tied for the lead after two rounds.
Their bond was most visible at the 2019 American Family Insurance Championship, Kelly’s hometown event in Madison, Wisconsin. When he drained the final putt for the win, it wasn’t just Carol (his wife) or the cheering crowd that received his gratitude; it was also Eric Meller, whose bear hug and beaming pride said as much as any press quote ever could. His story is far from over.
With the steadfast support of his family. Every great champion is a team, a family, and a story still unfolding. The next chapter? It’s waiting to be written, and it promises to be even more extraordinary.
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