Greensboro, North Carolina, October 11, 2025
News Summary
Alex Smalley, a golfer from Greensboro, North Carolina, is making waves on the PGA Tour since turning professional in 2019. With impressive performances, including top finishes at key tournaments, he shows great potential for future success. Working alongside his caddie, Don Donatello, Smalley is supported by his family, especially his mother, who played a key role in his earlier career. Ranked 3rd in scoring average on the PGA Tour, Smalley’s journey in golf is one to watch as he aims for his first victory.
Greensboro: The Rise of Alex Smalley on the PGA Tour
When you think about rising stars in the world of golf, it’s hard to overlook Alex Smalley. Hailing from Greensboro, North Carolina, this talented golfer is quickly establishing himself as a consistent and promising player on the PGA Tour. With a past as a standout at Duke University—where he notched impressive scores in his studies of environmental science—Smalley is showing us that he’s more than just a pretty swing.
A Journey Filled with Potential
Smalley turned professional in 2019, and since then, he has played on various tours, including PGA Tour Canada and the Korn Ferry Tour. His hard work paid off when he earned full status on the PGA Tour. Over the years, he’s racked up some thrilling results, including runner-up finishes at the 2022 Corales Puntacana Championship and the 2023 John Deere Classic.
The Dynamic Duo: Smalley and Don Donatello
Speaking of the John Deere Classic, this pivotal tournament marked a turning point for Smalley when he began working with his caddie, Don Donatello, who stepped in on short notice back in 2021. Donatello is no stranger to the caddying world; he launched his career in 1998 and has had the privilege of working alongside several Tour pros throughout the years, including K.J. Choi, Billy Horschel, and Kevin Na.
Despite not having a title with Smalley yet, Donatello has played a crucial role in the young golfer’s growth, contributing to nearly 11 top-10 finishes since they joined forces. Notably, two of those top-10 finishes happened in 2025 during the Myrtle Beach Classic and the Mexico Open. At the Mexico Open, Smalley shot an impressive 14-under over four days, showcasing his skill on the course.
Family Support System
Before Donatello took over, Smalley’s mother, Maria Smalley, caddied for him at every professional start. Maria was more than just a caddie; she skillfully managed logistics, crunched statistics, and provided emotional support—acting as his “mom-ager.” Even though Donatello now takes the lead, Maria remains closely involved in Alex’s career, handling travel arrangements and other essential tasks.
A Bright Future Ahead
As of the 2025 season, Smalley finds himself ranked 3rd on the PGA Tour in scoring average, further solidifying his position as a player to watch. On top of that, he made his mark at Duke, holding the university’s career scoring record with an average stroke score of 71.32. Also, this talented golfer represented the United States in the 2019 Walker Cup and the Palmer Cup, highlighting his talent on an international scale.
Smalley was born on October 21, 1996, and it’s funny to think that one of his first memories of golf is hitting a rubber golf ball in the snow in his backyard. Who would have guessed that this little hobby would lead him to become one of golf’s rising stars?
Concluding Thoughts
While Smalley is still in pursuit of his first PGA Tour victory, his consistent performances demonstrate that he has significant potential. With a supportive team led by Donatello and family backing him, there’s no telling how far this Greensboro native can go. Keep an eye on Alex Smalley as he continues his journey in the world of golf!
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Additional Resources
- Today’s Golfer: Who is Alex Smalley?
- Wikipedia: Alex Smalley
- Golf Monthly: Alex Smalley Facts
- Google Search: Alex Smalley PGA Tour
- PGA Tour: Alex Smalley’s Ball Rolls on Edge
- Google News: Alex Smalley
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