Tom Kite
Tom Kite was born December 3, 1949 in Austin, Texas. He began playing golf at age 6 and won his first tournament at age 11.
Kite attended the University of Texas on a golf scholarship and was coached by Harvey Penick. He turned professional in 1972 and has been a consistent money winner ever since. Kite?s short game is excellent. He is the pro who introduced carrying a third wedge to score well from 100 yards. His long game is weaker - in part because his size makes it difficult to get distance off the tee. Consistency is one of his greatest assets.
Among Kite's career accomplishments are:
- 2002 - won the Mastercard Championship and shot a course-record, 63 in the opening round.
- 2001 - he tied for 5th place at the U.S. Open; was 5th at the 2001 State Farm Classic, and tied for 3rd at the SBC Senior Open.
- 2000 - won his first Senior Tour at Countrywide Tradition and his second Senior Tour title at the SBC Senior Open.
He has 19 PGA TOUR victories, including the 1992 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach.
He competed on seven Ryder Cup squads and served as the 1997 U.S. Ryder Cup Captain.
In 1989 he was named PGA of America Player of the Year; in 1981 the Golf Writers Association Player of the Year, the Vardon Trophy winner in 1981 & 1980, Bob Jones Award recipient in 1979 and Golf Digest Rookie of the Year in 1973.
Tom Kite was the first in Tour history to reach $6 million, $7 million, $8 million, and $9 million in career earnings. He was the Tour?s leading money-winner in 1981 and 1989.
