Curtis Strange

Started playing the game at age seven, he won the Virginia State junior at age 15. His first important title was the 1973 Southeastern Amateur, and as an amateur won the 1974 Western Amateur, 1974 NCAA's, 1975 Eastern Amateur (which his father won the first year it was played in 1957), 1975 and 1976 North and South Amateur, 1975 and 1976 Virginia State Amateur. With his good play he earned membership onto the 1974 World Amateur Cup team and the 1975 Walker Cup team. He also was the College Player of the Year in 1974. He turned pro in 1976, but missed getting his PGA Tour card in Q-School. He spent the next couple of months playing in Europe and in mini-tour events before getting his card in the spring 1977 Q-School. In 1977 he won $28,144 (rank 87th) and in 1978 won $29,346 (rank 88th). He broke through and won the 1979 Pensacola Open and captured back-to-back U.S. Open Championships in 1988 and 1989.
Was a member of the 1983, '85, '87, '89 & '95 Ryder Cup teams, and Captain of the 2002 United States Ryder Cup team. Was the leading money winner on the PGA Tour in 1985, '87 & '88. In 1988, won the PGA Player of the Year award. That same year, he became the first player to surpass $1 million in yearly earnings. . . Played full-time on the PGA Tour between 1977 and 2002, playing in a total of 596 events. Won 17 times, was runner-up 13 times and 3rd, 20 times. Finished in the top-ten 129 times and made 428 cuts. Had career earnings of $7,599,951.
Joined the Champions Tour in 2005, had his best finish a 3rd at the Constellation Energy. Had right-hip surgery in 2009 and has cut back on his schedule, doing more TV work for ESPN.