Fred Couples
Name:
Frederick Steven CouplesAlso known as:
Boom Boom; FreddieCountry:
USABorn:
Oct 3, 1959 in Seattle, King County, Washington.Original/Home Club:
Seattle, WashingtonOccupation:
Professional golfer, golf course designer.Turned Pro:
1980MAJORS (1): The Masters (1992). Senior MAJORS (2): Senior Players Ch'ship (2011); Senior Open Ch'ship (2012). Ryder Cup player (1989, '91, '93, '95, '97). Presidents Cup player (1994, '96, '98, 2005). Presidents Cup captain (2009, '11, '13).
Multiple wins on the US PGA, Champions, European and other international tours. PGA Tour leading money winner (1992). Champions Tour Rookie of the Year (2010). Has held the official ranking of world's No.1 male golfer. World Golf Hall of Fame (inducted in 2013).
Since 1991 Fred Couples has worked closely with Gene Bates on the design of several golf courses, including (but not limited to): Kelly Plantation, Carolina National, Heron Ridge, San Juan Oaks, The Rise (British Columbia) and Tomson Pudong (Shanghai).
"Boom-Boom" Freddie Couples is one of the leading stars of the US Tour, and is known internationally throughout the golfing world. He attended college at the University of Houston, and now lives in La Quinta, California. Couples is one of a very few golfers who never wears a golf glove.
America
SAS Institute
Played as the SAS Championship (Oct 14-16). Second-placed Steven Alker (NZ) finished 6 shots behind 63-year-old Fred Couples (USA), who bettered his age by 3 shots with a final round 60 (-12) to seal the win. [Highlands & Meadows hybrid course, Prestonwood CC, Cary, NC].
America
Chubb
Played as the Chubb Classic (Feb 17-19). Second-placed Miguel Ángel Jiménez (Esp) finished 3 shots behind Fred Couples (USA), who recorded his 12th Champions Tour win. [Talon course, The Club at TwinEagles, Naples, FL].
America
AmFam Ins
Played as the American Family Insurance Championship (June 23-25). Second-placed Scott Verplank (USA) finished 2 shots behind Fred Couples (USA), whose final round 66 (-6) clinched the win. [University Ridge GC, Madison, Wisconsin].
America
Toshiba
Played as the Toshiba Classic (March 14-16). Second-placed Colin Montgomerie (Scot), Steve Pate (USA) and Bernhard Langer (Ger) finished 1 shot behind Fred Couples (USA), who recorded his tenth Champions Tour win. [Newport Beach CC, Newport Beach, CA].
America
Shaw Comms
Played as the Shaw Charity Classic (Aug 29-31). Fred Couples (USA) beat Billy Andrade (USA) with a birdie at the first playoff hole. Couples shot a course-record final round 61 (-9) to force the playoff. [Canyon Meadows G&CC, Calgary, Alberta].
Awards
Champions Tr
Couples (USA) won his third (and second straight) Byron Nelson Award, recording the season's lowest scoring average on the Champions Tour. Bernhard Langer (Ger) was second with 68.92; Kenny Perry (USA) was third with 69.21.
America
Charles Schwab
Played as the Charles Schwab Cup Championship (Oct 31-Nov 3; Champions Tour season-ending event). Second-placed Bernhard Langer (Ger), Peter Senior (Aus) and Mark O'Meara (USA) finished 6 shots behind Fred Couples (USA). [TPC Harding Park, San Francisco, CA].
Majors
Rolex
The Senior Open Championship presented by Rolex (26th) (July 26-29). Second-placed Gary Hallberg (USA) finished 2 shots behind Couples (USA), who claimed his second senior major title. [Ailsa course, Turnberry Resort, Ayrshire].
America
x
Played as the Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic (March 23-25). Second-placed Michael Allen (USA) finished 1 shot behind Fred Couples (USA), who shot a course-record opening round 63. [Fallen Oak GC, Saucier, nr Biloxi, MS].
Awards
Champions Tr
Couples (USA) won his second Byron Nelson Award, recording the season's lowest scoring average on the Champions Tour. Bernhard Langer (Ger) was second with 68.76; Tom Lehman (USA) was third with 68.92.
America
AT&T
Played as the AT&T Championship (Oct 14-16). Second-placed Mark Calcavecchia (USA) finished 7 shots behind Couples (USA). [Canyons course, TPC San Antonio, Texas].
Majors
Constellation Energy
Played as the Constellation Energy Senior Players Championship (Aug 18-21). Couples (USA) beat John Cook (USA) with a birdie at the third playoff hole to claim his first senior major title. [West course, Westchester CC, Rye, NY].
Awards
Champions Tr
Couples (USA) won the Champions Tour 2010 Rookie of the Year Award as the leading first-season player, based on the votes of his peers. He finished second on the Tour's money list, with earnings of $2,344,894.
America
x
Played as the Cap Cana Championship (March 26-28). Second-placed Corey Pavin (USA) finished 2 shots behind Couples (USA). This was Couples' third straight win in only his fourth start on the Champions Tour. [Punta Espada GC, Cap Cana, Dominican Republic].
America
Toshiba
Played as the Toshiba Classic (March 5-7). Second-placed Ronnie Black (USA) finished 4 shots behind Fred Couples (USA), who recorded his second Champions Tour win. [Newport Beach CC, Newport Beach, California].
America
Administaff
Played as the Administaff Small Business Classic (Oct 22-24). Second-placed Mark Wiebe (USA) finished 7 shots behind Fred Couples (USA), who shot a tournament record final round 63. [Tournament course, The Woodlands CC, nr Houston, TX].
Awards
Champions Tr
Couples (USA) won the Byron Nelson Award, recording the season's lowest scoring average on the Champions Tour. Nick Price (Zim) was second with 69.09; Bernhard Langer (Ger) was third with 69.18.
America
ACE Group
Played as the ACE Group Classic (Feb 12-14). Second-placed Tommy Armour III (USA) finished 1 shot behind 50-year-old Fred Couples (USA), who recorded his first Champions Tour win. Couples was playing in his second event on the Tour; Armour was playing in his first. [The Quarry GC, Naples, FL].
America
Merrill Lynch
Played as the Merrill Lynch Skins Game (Nov 27/28). Couples (USA) won with a total of 11 skins worth $640,000; the final three skins (worth $340,000) were only secured after a four-hole sudden-death playoff. Second was Tiger Woods (USA) with 5 skins worth $310,00. Third was Adam Scott (Aus) with 2 skins worth $50,000. Annika Sorenstam (Swe, LPGA Tour) was shut out with no skins. [GC at La Quinta, La Quinta, California; at the time known as Trilogy at La Quinta].
America
ConAgra
Played as the ConAgra Foods Skins Game (Nov 29/30). Couples (USA) won with a total of 8 skins worth $605,000. Second was Annika Sörenstam (Swe, LPGA Tour) 5 skins worth $225,000. Third was Phil Mickelson (USA) 5 skins worth $170,000. Mark O'Meara (USA) was shut out with no skins. [GC at La Quinta, La Quinta, California; at the time known as Trilogy at La Quinta].
America
Shell
Played as the Shell Houston Open (April 24-27). Second-placed Mark Calcavecchia (USA), Stuart Appleby (Aus) and Hank Kuehne (USA) finished 4 shots behind Fred Couples (USA), who claimed his first PGA Tour win in five years. [Member course, GC of Houston, Humble, TX. At the time known as Redstone GC].
America
Hyundai
Played as the Hyundai Team Matches (Dec 6-9; unofficial post-season event involving four two-player teams from each of the LPGA, PGA and Snr PGA Tours; teams compete against other teams from their own tour). Mark Calcavecchia (USA) & Fred Couples (USA) beat defending champions Tom Lehman (USA) & Duffy Waldorf (USA) by 1 hole in the final of the PGA Tour matches. [Monarch Beach Links, Dana Point, CA].
America
x
Played as the Skins Game (Nov 27/28; four-man PGA Tour unofficial money event). Couples (USA) won with a total of 11 skins worth $635,000. Second was defending champion Mark O'Meara (USA) 5 skins worth $245,000. Third was Sergio Garcia (Esp) 2 skins worth $120,000. David Duval (USA) was shut out with no skins. [North course, GC at Terra Lago, Indio, California; at the time known as Landmark GC].
America
Diners Club
Played as the Diners Club Matches (Dec 11/12; unofficial post-season event involving four two-player teams from each of the LPGA, PGA and Snr PGA Tours; teams compete against other teams from their own tour). Mark Calcavecchia (USA) & Fred Couples (USA) beat Steve Elkington (Aus) & Jeff Maggert (USA) by 1 hole in the final of the PGA Tour matches. [North course, Pelican Hill GC, Newport Beach, CA].
America
Franklin Templeton
Played as the Franklin Templeton Shark Shootout (Nov 12-14; played over three rounds: 1-alternate shot; 2-better ball; 3-scramble). Second-placed team of Scott McCarron (USA) & Scott Hoch (USA) finished 6 shots behind Fred Couples (USA) & David Duval (USA). [Sherwood CC, Thousand Oaks, nr LA, Calif.].
America
Chrysler
Played as the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic (Jan 14-18). Couples (USA) beat Bruce Lietzke (USA) with a birdie at the first playoff hole. [Bermuda Dunes CC, Coachella Valley, CA. Earlier rounds also at: Indian Wells CC; La Quinta CC; PGA West (Palmer Private)].
America
x
Played as The Memorial Tournament (May 28-31). Second-placed Andrew Magee (USA) finished 4 shots behind Couples (USA). [Muirfield Village GC, Dublin, nr Columbus, OH].
America
x
Played as The Players Championship (March 28-31). Second-placed Colin Montgomerie (Scot) and Tommy Tolles (USA) finished 4 shots behind Couples (USA). [Stadium Course, TPC Sawgrass, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL].
America
x
Played as the Skins Game (Nov 30-Dec 1; four-man PGA Tour unofficial money event). Defending champion Couples (USA) won with a total of 9 skins worth $280,000. Second was Tom Watson (USA) 7 skins worth $220,000. Third was Tiger Woods (USA) 2 skins worth $40,000. John Daly (USA) was shut out with no skins. [Rancho La Quinta CC, Coachella Valley, California].
America
x
Played as the Skins Game (Nov 25/26; four-man PGA Tour unofficial money event). Couples (USA) won with a total of 7 skins worth $270,000. Second was Corey Pavin (USA) 10 skins worth $240,000. Third was Peter Jacobsen (USA) 1 skin worth $30,000. Defending champion Tom Watson (USA) was shut out with no skins. [Mountains course, Bighorn GC, Palm Desert, California].
Europe
x
Played as the Dubai Desert Classic (Jan 19-22; European Tour season-opener). Second-placed Colin Montgomerie (Scot) finished 3 shots behind Fred Couples (USA), who recorded the second of his three European Tour wins. [Majlis course, Emirates GC, Dubai, UAE].
America
Johnnie Walker
Played as the Johnnie Walker World Golf Championship (Dec 14-17; at the time the world's richest tournament for an elite field of the world's top players). Couples (USA) beat Loren Roberts (USA) and Vijay Singh (Fiji) with a birdie at the second playoff hole. [Tryall Club, Montego Bay, Jamaica].
Asia
Johnnie Walker
Played as the Johnnie Walker Classic (Eurpn Tr event in Asia). Second-placed Nick Price (Zim) finished 2 shots behind Couples (USA). [Palmer course, Orchard G&CC, Dasmarinas, Philippines].
America
Lincoln-Mercury
Played as the Lincoln-Mercury Kapalua International (Nov 3-6; PGA Tour post-season unofficial money event). Second-placed Bob Gilder (USA) finished shots behind defending champion Couples (USA), who aced the par-3 11th with an 8-iron on his way to victory. [Plantation course, Kapalua Resort, Maui, Hawaii].
America
Heineken
Played as the World Cup of Golf (individual low score) (Nov 10-13). Second-placed Costantino Rocca (Italy) finished 5 shots behind Fred Couples (USA), who won the International Trophy for best individual score in the World Cup of Golf. Team winners of the Cup: Fred Couples & Davis Love III (USA). [East course, TPC Dorado Beach, Puerto Rico; at the time known as Dorado Beach Resort].].
America
Buick
Played as the Buick Open (Aug 4-7). Second-placed Corey Pavin (USA) finished 2 shots behind Fred Couples (USA). [Warwick Hills G&CC, Grand Blanc, Michigan].
America
Franklin Funds
Played as the Franklin Funds Shark Shootout (Nov 18-20; played over three rounds: 1-alternate shot; 2-better ball; 3-scramble). Second-placed Curtis Strange (USA) & Mark O'Meara (USA) finished 2 shots behind the winning team of Fred Couples (USA) & Brad Faxon (USA). [Sherwood CC, Thousand Oaks, nr LA, Calif.].
America
Honda
Played as the Honda Classic (March 11-14). Couples (USA) beat Robert Gamez (USA) with a par at the second playoff hole. Event reduced to 54 holes due to bad weather. A year earlier Couples was runner-up in the Honda Classic, beaten by Corey Pavin at the second playoff hole. [Weston Hills CC, Weston, nr Ft Lauderdale, FL].
America
Lincoln-Mercury
Played as the Lincoln Mercury Kapalua International (Nov 4-7; PGA Tour post-season unofficial money event). Second-placed Blaine McCallister (USA) finished 4 shots behind Couples (USA). [Plantation course, Kapalua Resort, Maui, Hawaii; Bay course also used for earlier rounds].
Awards
PGA of America
Couples (USA) won his second straight PGA of America Vardon Trophy, recording the season's lowest scoring average on the PGA Tour (over a minimum of 60 rounds). Nick Price (Zim) was second with 69.61; Raymond Floyd (USA) was third with 69.69.
Awards
PGA of America
Couples (USA) won the PGA of America Player of the Year Award (based on points allocated for PGA Tour wins, money-list position and scoring average).
Awards
PGA Tour
Couples (USA) won his second straight PGA Tour Byron Nelson Award, recording the season's lowest scoring average (over a minimum of 50 rounds). Nick Price (Zim) was second with 69.61; Raymond Floyd (USA) and Tom Kite (USA) were tied third with 69.69.
America
Nestle
Played as The Nestle Invitational (Mar 19-22). Second-placed Gene Sauers (USA) finished 9 shots behind Couples (USA). [Bay Hill Club, Orlando, FL].
Majors
x
The Masters Tournament (56th) (April 9-12). Second-placed Raymond Floyd (USA) finished 2 shots behind first-time major championship winner Couples (USA). [Augusta National GC, Augusta, GA].
Couples (USA) won his second straight Jack Nicklaus Award as the PGA Tour Player of the Year, based on the votes of his peers.
America
Nissan
Played as the Nissan Los Angeles Open (Feb 27-Mar 1). Couples (USA) beat Davis Love III (USA) with a birdie at the second playoff hole, to win this event for the second time in three years. [Riviera CC, Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, CA].
Awards
PGA Tour
Couples (USA) won the Arnold Palmer Award as the PGA Tour 1992 leading money winner, with earnings of $1,344,188 on the Tour. Davis Love III (USA) was second with $1,191,630; John Cook (USA) was third with $1,165,606.
Awards
PGA Tour
Couples (USA) won the PGA Tour Byron Nelson Award, recording the season's lowest scoring average (over a minimum of 50 rounds). Corey Pavin (USA) was second with 69.63; Bruce Lietzke (USA) was third with 69.80.
America
FedEx
Played as the Federal Express St Jude Classic (June 27-30). Second-placed Rick Fehr (USA) finished 3 shots behind Couples (USA), who recorded his fifth PGA Tour win. [TPC Southwind, Memphis, TN].
America
x
Played as the B.C. Open (Sept 19-22). Second-placed Peter Jacobsen (USA) finished 3 shots behind Couples (USA). [En-Joie GC, Endicott, NY].
America
Johnnie Walker
Played as the inaugural Johnnie Walker World Golf Championship (Dec 19-22; at the time the world's richest tournament for 26 of the world's top players). Second-placed Bernhard Langer (Ger) finished 4 shots behind Couples (USA). [Tryall Club, Montego Bay, Jamaica].
Couples (USA) won the Jack Nicklaus Award as the PGA Tour Player of the Year, based on the votes of his peers.
Awards
PGA of America
Couples (USA) won the PGA of America Vardon Trophy, recording the season's lowest scoring average on the PGA Tour (over a minimum of 60 rounds). Corey Pavin (USA) was second with 69.63; Bruce Lietzke (USA) was third with 69.80.
America
RMCC
Played as the RMCC Invitational (Nov 16-18; played over three rounds: 1-alternate shot; 2-better ball; 3-scramble). Second-placed team of Peter Jacobsen (USA) & Arnold Palmer (USA) finished 5 shots behind the winning team of Fred Couples (USA) & Ray Floyd (USA). [Sherwood CC, Thousand Oaks, nr LA, Calif.].
America
Sazale
Played as the (last) Sazale Classic (Dec 5-9; PGA Tr post-season two-man unofficial money event; formerly the Chrysler Team Championship). Second-placed Tom Byrum & Curt Byrum (brothers) finished 4 shots behind winning team of Fred Couples & Mike Donald. [Binks Forest CC, Wellington, FL; now called Wellington National GC. Earlier rounds also at Wellington Club; now closed].
America
Nissan
Played as the Nissan Los Angeles Open (Feb 22-25). Second-placed Gil Morgan (USA) finished 3 shots behind Couples (USA). [Riviera CC, Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, CA].
America
x
Played as the Byron Nelson Golf Classic (May 7-10). Couples (USA) beat Mark Calcavecchia (USA) with a par at the third playoff hole. [TPC course, Four Seasons Resort Las Colinas, Irving, nr Dallas, TX].
America
x
Played as the Tournament Players Championship (Mar 29-Apr 1). Second-placed Lee Trevino (USA) finished 1 shot behind Couples (USA), who recorded his second PGA Tour win. [Stadium Course, TPC Sawgrass, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL].
America
JCPenney
Played as the JCPenney Mixed Team Classic (Dec 10/11; two-person team event; one PGA Tr, one LPGA Tr). Second placed Lou Hinkle (USA) & Jane Geddes (USA) finished 5 shots behind the winning team of Fred Couples (USA) & Jan Stephenson (Aus). [Bardmoor CC, Largo, FL].
America
Kemper Insurance
Played as the Kemper Open (June 2-5). 23-year-old Fred Couples (USA) beat Gil Morgan (USA), Tze-chung "T.C." Chen (Taiw) and Scott Simpson (USA) with a birdie at the second playoff hole, to record the first of his 15 PGA Tour wins. Barry Jaeckel (USA) was eliminated at the first playoff hole. [Blue course, Congressional CC, Bethesda, Maryland].
124th US Open: the No.2 Course at Pinehurst once again plays host to this most illustrious championship (June 13-16). Wyndham Clark defends his title, having won at Los Angeles CC in 2023.
79th Women’s US Open: the second women’s major championship of the season gets underway at Lancaster CC in Pennsylvania. It’s the second time the championship has been held here.
(May 30-June 2).
Nelly Korda: won the Mizuho Americas Open (May 16-19) at Liberty National GC, continuing her extraordinary form in LPGA events. This was her sixth win in seven starts in 2024.
Xander Schauffele: recorded his first major championship win, and second record-equalling low score of 62 in a major. Only he, Branden Grace, Rickie Fowler and Shane Lowry have achieved this feat in a men’s major championship.
Marco Simone Golf & Country Club: With a clubhouse that might befit a Roman Emperor, and a golf course to match, you can be sure of a memorable outing at Rome's most talked about golf facility.
Jim Fazio's original layout was much changed to create a modern Ryder Cup course ... now one of the Eternal City's (and Italy's) most revered.
Here at Prince’s Golf Club you'll find 27 excellent holes of links golf. Just over the fence and sharing similar terrain is Royal St George’s; but Prince’s is far from overshadowed by its venerable neighbour. The three nine-hole loops at Prince's, laid out over gently undulating terrain, are sure to bring a smile of satisfaction to all lovers of links golf.
Stay&Play at Prince's: excellent onsite Lodge accommodation available
You can subscribe to the Where2Golf channel on YT if you like to see more video content. You'll find a "Subscribe" button on any of our YouTube videos. Or if you want a quick and direct access subscribe here. Once done, any new published videos will show up in your Subscriptions feed.