Paul Azinger

Fully exempt into the 2011 U.S. Senior Open through multiple exemption categories, including by way of his appearance on the 2000 Presidents Cup and 2002 Ryder Cup teams.
After high school a career in golf seemed highly unlikely. He was working at his father's marina in Sarasota, pumping gas, and could barely break 40 on the golf course. At Brevard Junior College, he decided he wanted to play more golf and was introduced to John Redman, who helped him bring his average score down from 77 to 72 in a year. Two years later, in the fall of 1981, he earned his Tour card in Q-school, but lost it with earnings of only $10,655 in 1982. Failing Q-school the second time, started playing the mini-tours, and would not earn his card for good until 1985.
His game steadily improved until his breakout year of 1987, when he won three times, finished second to Nick Faldo at the British Open, and ended up second on the money list. Best year on the Tour was 1993, with wins at Memorial, New England and the PGA Championship. Also played in his third Ryder Cup that year. In Nov. of 1993, his best year took a turn when he was diagnosed with lymphoma; he would miss much of the 1994 season to the successful treatment of the cancer. Came back on Tour full-time in 1995 and fought back, his earnings between 1994 through 2001 improved nearly every year. The comeback finally proved successful when he won the 2000 Sony Open in Hawaii. Member of 1989, 1991, 1993 and 2001 Ryder Cup Teams. Was Captain of the victorious 2008 Ryder Cup Team. Member of 1994 and 2000 Presidents Cup Teams.