DPT Alumnus Living Dream on PGA Tour

By Ryan Clark
CHS Communications Director

When Jason Waddles, PT, DPT, became a physical therapist, little did he know he would someday be working on the PGA Tour, helping professional golfers in one of their most important tournaments of the year.

But a few weeks ago, he did just that.

“I constantly wake up feeling lucky to have the job I do, but working at the PGA Championship (at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, N.C.) this year was a big one,” said Waddles, a 32-year-old Whitesburg, Ky., native who graduated from UK in 2019 with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT). “Being on-site at a major, working with players competing for a major, and walking such a historical course were some moments that reminded me how far this path has taken me.”

After graduating from UK, Waddles completed a sports physical therapy residency at Orlando Health in Florida, where he worked with the Orlando City Major League Soccer team and the Orlando Pride National Women’s Soccer League team.

Now, he is a Sports Physical Therapist on the PGA, Korn Ferry, Epson and LPGA Tours.

It culminated in a most surreal moment, according to Waddles, when he was able to work one of the PGA Tour’s most prestigious tournaments — the PGA Championship, from May 12-18.

“As an on-tour medical provider, I manage both acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions,” he explained. “I specialize in rapid assessment and diagnosis, determining the most effective intervention within the constraints of competition schedules. This involves designing and delivering individualized rehab and performance programs, with a strong emphasis on manual therapy, movement quality and long-term durability.

“My foundation in movement mechanics and my deep understanding of sport-specific rehab allow me to collaborate closely with athletic trainers, strength coaches, and sports science professionals to ensure a cohesive, high-performance plan of care,” he continued.

We were able to catch up to Waddles in-between tournaments, and we asked him about his career, his time here in the College of Health Sciences, and what his future may look like.

Here’s 5 questions with … Jason Waddles:
 

1. Why did you choose UK?

UK felt like home from the moment I stepped on campus. I loved the atmosphere and state-leading academic program.

2. Why did you choose DPT here in CHS?

The DPT program at UK stood out for its reputation and clinical relationships. I was impressed by the caliber of the faculty, specifically in my area of interest, sports. Being in the College of Health Sciences felt like a supportive community where I could grow both academically and professionally.

3. How did you get into your occupation?

I was always passionate about sports and maximizing human performance/recovery. After shadowing a few physical therapists and seeing the impact they had on athletes getting back to doing what they love, I knew it was what I wanted to do. That interest was solidified during my clinical rotations and ultimately led me to specialize in sports rehab.

4. What is the best part about your job?

Helping professional athletes overcome injuries and compete at the highest level is incredibly rewarding. There’s nothing like being part of their journey and seeing all the behind-the-scenes work translate to the course.

5. What does the future look like for you/what are your next goals?

I plan to launch a new performance and recovery clinic in the Orlando area. It focuses on rehab, strength training and recovery services, while continuing to work on tour.

BONUS: What advice do you have for anyone thinking of going down a similar road?

If your goal is to work with athletes at a high level, be persistent. Seek out mentors who can help you improve your clinical decision-making, and never stop asking yourself, “How can I get better?”