The IOC has restricted the IGF to an Olympic field of 60 players for each of the men’s and women’s competition. The IGF will utilise the official world golf rankings to create the Olympic golf rankings as a method of determining eligibility. The top-15 world-ranked players will be eligible for the Olympics, with a limit of four players from a given country. Beyond the top-15, players will be eligible based on the world rankings, with a maximum of two eligible players from each country that does not already have two or more players among the top-15.
Inbee Park |
|
Country: | South Korea |
Turned Professional: | 2006 |
Tournament Wins: | 25 |
Born in Seoul and began playing golf at the age of 10. Two years later, at age 12, she moved to the United States to pursue a golf career which, to date, has delivered seven major championships, including three successive major victories during the 2013 season. Won nine events on the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) circuit and was a ve-time Rolex Junior All-American.
She was a semi finalist at the 2003 U.S. Women’s Amateur and won the 2002 U.S. Girls’ Junior and finished as runner-up in both 2003 and 2005. Turned pro in 2006 and became only the fourth LPGA Tour player to win three majors in a calendar year in 2013. She is the youngest player to win the U.S. Women’s Open and became only the second player, after Annika Sorenstam, to win the Women’s PGA Championship three years in a row. Completed the Career Grand Slam with her latest major victory at the 2015 RICOH Women’s British Open. .
Biggest movers: Shin on the rise after maiden win [GolfChannel.com]
Lydia Ko |
David Leadbetter |
||
Country: | New Zealand | South Africa | :Country |
Turned Professional: | 2013 | :PGA of | |
Tournament Wins: | 15 | :Years Coaching |
Ko has worked with Leadbetter for over three years having helped her phenomenal rise to the top of her game stist 17, the youngest player of both sexes to reach golf’s pinnacle.
The two have worked together to drastically remodel her game changing her fade to a draw and giving her more distance than in the past.
“You’re always happy when a player is confident and has a real understanding of what they’re doing,” says Leadbetter. “We’ve made the changes we wanted to make. We don’t do anything more than maintenance now. As a coach, you want a player to have control of what they’re doing and to be their own best coach.”
New Zealand golfer Lydia Ko already looking ahead to Rio Olympics after major success [Stuff.co.za]
World No 1 Lydia Ko shapes her season in a bid to achieve an Olympic dream [Stuff.co.za]
Lydia Ko targets Rio Olympics after record-breaking first major win [TheGuardian.com]
Shanshan Feng |
Gary Gilchrist |
||
Country: | China | :Country | |
Turned Professional: | 2007 | America | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 15 | :Years Coaching | |
RWGR: | 10 |
5’7”…Started playing golf at the age of 10…Credits her father, Feng Xiong and coach Gary Gilchrist as the individual most influencing her career…Enjoys shopping, playing computer games and talking to friends…Qualified for the Tour on her first attempt.
LPGA Tour Victories (4):
– 2012 Wegmans LPGA Championship
– 2013 Reignwood LPGA Classic, CME Group Titleholders
– 2014 Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia
Golfers Ready to Light Up Rio [LadiesEuropeanTour.com]
Shanshan Feng hopeful Olympics can change views of golf in China [SkySports.com]
Shanshan Feng: China’s 2015 Olympic Golf Hope (Video) [ProGolfNow.com]
Feng Finding Potential Olympic Teammates [LPGA.com]
Olympic dreams: Franklin, Gal, Feng talk gold medals [GolfChannel.com]
Harukyo Nomura |
|
Country: | Japan |
Turned Professional: | 2010 |
Tournament Wins: | 4 |
5’4”…Started playing golf at age 11…Credits her mother as the individual who most influenced her career…Hobbies include watching television, karaoke, going to amusement parks and hanging out with friends…Qualified for the Tour on her first attempt.
LPGA Tour Victories (2):
– 2016 ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open
– 2016 Swinging Skirts LPGA Classic Presented by CTBC
Swing of things: Nomura wins Skirts LPGA Classic [GolfChannel.com]
Nomura finishes in tie for fifth in Thailand [japantimes.co.jp]
Stacy Lewis |
Joe Hallett |
||
Country: | United States | :Country | |
Turned Professional: | 2008 | America | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 13 | :Years Coaching |
5’5”…Started playing golf at the age of 8…Credits her parents ‘for encouraging me to play even after having back surgery’ as the individuals most influencing her career… From the age of 11, Lewis wore a back brace 18 hours per day for 7-1/2 years to correct curvature in her spine from scoliosis, removing it only to play golf…Had back surgery during her senior year of high school and redshirted for one season before joining the University of Arkansas women’s golf team…Traveled to Africa in 2011 with Besty King’s Golf Fore Africa…Hobbies include working out, watching any sports especially SEC football, traveling and having spare time to herself…Qualified for the Tour on her first attempt…Has her own Web site, www.stacysback.com.
LPGA Tour Victories (11 wins, 2 majors)
– 2011 Kraft Nabisco Championship
– 2012 Mobile Bay LPGA Classic, ShopRite LPGA Classic, Navistar LPGA Classic, Mizuno Classic
– 2013 HSBC Women’s Champions 2013, RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup, RICOH Women’s British Open
– 2014 North Texas LPGA Shootout, ShopRite LPGA Classic, Walmart NW Arkansas Championship Presented by P&G
Hee Young Yang |
|||
Country: | South Korea | :Country | |
Turned Professional: | 2006 | America | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 6 | :Years Coaching |
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Brooke M. Henderson |
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Country: | Canada |
Turned Professional: | 2014 |
Tournament Wins: | 6 |
Henderson started playing golf at the age of three years old. When she is not on the golf course she enjoys playing sports and spending time and talking to friends and family. Sister, Brittany Henderson, is a member of the Symetra Tour.
2015 in a Nutshell:
– 14 events, 13 cuts made
– Won her first LPGA Tour event at the Cambia Portland Classic by eight shots, the largest margin of victory on Tour in 2015
– Was granted immediate LPGA membership by Commissioner Mike Whan following her victory
– Recorded tied for fifth finishes at both the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and U.S. Women’s Open
– Made 10 starts as a non-member professional and earned $661,264 in unofficial money
– Won the Four Winds Invitational on the Symetra Tour
Canadian golfers pumped about chance to represent country in Rio [WinnipegSun.com]
Brooke Henderson contender for Olympic golf gold in Rio [TorontoSun.com]
Teen golf star Brooke Henderson has sights set on Olympics [GlobalNews.ca]
Olympics or major? LPGA’s Brooke Henderson welcomes both [DesertSun.com]
Minjee Lee |
Ritchie Smith |
||
Country: | Australia | :Country | |
Turned Professional: | 2014 | Australia | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 2 | :Years Coaching |
Minjee Lee is an Australian professional golfer from Perth. She became the number one ranked amateur golfer on 26 February 2014 after winning the Oates Victorian Open on the ALPG Tour. Her reign ended when she turned professional in September 2014 after leading the Australia team to win the Espirito Santo Trophy.
She finished as co-medalist at the LPGA Final Qualifying Tournament to earn her tour card for 2015 and most recently won the 2016 Lotte Championship, her second LPGA victory to date.
Smith has played a significant role coaching and developing many of Australia’s leading Professional golfers and is the Head Professional at Melville Glades Golf Club in Leeming Western Australia.
In 2014 he was awarded the esteemed PGA Teacher the Year award by the PGA of Australia.
The founder and Head Coach of the Perth Golf Academy, Smith has coached numerous State and National representatives including Oliver Goss, Low Amateur champion at the US Masters, and Minjee Lee.
Minjee Lee Comes from 5 Shots Back to Win the LOTTE Championship Presented by Hershey [LPGA.com]
Golfer Minjee Lee says Australian Open a springboard to Olympics [adelaidenow.com.au]
Minjee covets Rio golf medal [au.news.yahoo.com]
Minjee Lee closes with 64 to win LPGA’s Lotte Championship [GolfDigest.com]
Charley Hull |
Matt Belsham |
||
Country: | Great Britain | :Country | |
Turned Professional: | 2013 | Great Britain & Ireland | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 1 | :Years Coaching |
In 2015, her 3rd year on tour, Charley played in 11 LET tournaments and recorded 6 top 10 finishes including a season-best of T2nd at the RACV Ladies Masters. She ended 8th on the LET Order of Merit with earnings of 135,416.34 euros. Among the year’s highlights was her 2nd appearance in The Solheim Cup, where she represented Europe at Golf Club St. Leon-Rot in Germany.
Rio 2016: Charley Hull & Catriona Matthew going for Olympic gold [BBC.co.uk]
Charley Hull on Olympic Golf: “Roll on, Rio!” [ProGolfNow.com]
Charley Bravo – Charley Hull Interview [GolfToday.co.uk]
Rio 2016 Olympics: How will Team GB golf prospects fare? [Telegraph.co.uk]
England’s Charley Hull On inspiring kids to win gold medals [LadiesEuropeanTour.com]
Suzann Pettersen |
Butch Harmon |
||
Country: | Norway | :Country | |
Turned Professional: | 2000 | America | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 22 | :Years Coaching |
In 2015, Suzann played in 4 LET tournaments and finished in the top-5, 3 times. She secured her best finish on the LET for the season at the Aberdeen Asset Management Ladies Scottish Open, where she came second.
Suzann earned her 15th career LPGA victory; first of the season, in the Manulife LPGA Classic at Whistle Bear Golf Club in Ontario, Canada, in June.
Suzann, represented Europe at the 2015 Solheim Cup hosted at Golf Club St. Leon-Rot, and won 2 points for her team.
Olympic Dreams – Suzann Pettersen [GolfChannel.com]
Pettersen Can Now Dream of the 2016 Olympics [LPGA.com]
Pettersen already can’t wait to play for Norway in 2016 Olympics [PGA.com]
Suzann Pettersen – Golf Comes To The Olympics | Athlete Profiles [YouTube.com]
Anna Nordqvist |
Jorge Parada |
||
Country: | Sweden | Spain | :Country |
Turned Professional: | 2008 | America | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 8 | :Years Coaching |
In 2015, Anna claimed her fifth LPGA title at the ShopRite LPGA Classic Presented by Acer. She played in 2 LET tournaments and secured her best finish at the Ricoh Women’s British Open where she came T7.
Anna, represented Europe at the 2015 Solheim Cup hosted at Golf Club St. Leon-Rot, and won 2 points for her team.
183cm tall with blonde hair and blue eyes. Started playing golf at the age of 13 at home in Eskilstuna, located a one-and-a-half hour drive south of Stockholm, in Sweden. Attended Arizona State University, where she studied Inter Disciplinary Studies for two-and-a-half-years. Resides in Scottsdale, Arizona, USA. Anna’s hobbies include watching and playing all sports. She used to swim for six years but decided that she was best at golf. Now coached by Tim Suzoy and attached to Torshalla Golf Club in Sweden. Anna’s role model was Annika Sorenstam, who stepped away from the game at the time when Anna was turning professional.
One Year to Go Until Rio Summer Olympics – How Players Currently Rank [LPGA.com]
Nanna Koerstz Madsen |
|
Country: | Denmark |
Turned Professional: | 2015 |
Tournament Wins: | 0 |
In 2015, Madsen played her Rookie season on the LET. She competed in 16 tournaments and secured an extremely impressive 6 top-10s. Her best finish of the season was secured at the ISPS Handa New Zealand Women’s Open where she finished 3rd, shooting rounds of 67, 69 and 71. She finished the season in 9th position in the Order of Merit, winning €134,769.29.
Su-Hyun Oh |
James Petts |
||
Country: | Australia | :Country | |
Turned Professional: | Denmark | :PGA of | |
Tournament Wins: | :Years Coaching |
Hobbies include reading and all water sports. Influenced by mother and father, Val Holland, Holley Hair, and Brad Whalen. Attended University of Tulsa and has a degree in Psychology.
2015 in a Nutshell:
– 24 events, 19 cuts made, $367,231 (46)
– Carded a career-low 65 in the third round of the Evian Championship where she finished T6
In Gee Chun |
|
Country: | South Korea |
Turned Professional: | 2012 |
Tournament Wins: | 12 |
5’9″…Started playing golf at the age of 9…Credits her father has having the most influence on her career…If she were not a golfer, she would like to be a food columnist.
Career Wins (1 win, 1 major) – 2015 U.S. Women’s Open (as a non-member)
Career Highlights:
– Won her first LPGA Tour event as a non-member at the 2015 U.S. Women’s Open in her first career start at the championship
– Shot a career-low 66 as a non-member in both of the final rounds of the 2014 KEB-Hana Bank LPGA Championship and the 2015 U.S. Women’s Open
– Has eight career wins on the LPGA of Korea (KLPGA)
– In 2015, recorded five wins on the KLPGA en route to Player of the Year honors
– Won the KLPGA money title and also led the Tour in scoring average in 2015
– Had a three-win season on the KLPGA in 2014 and finished fourth on the Tour’s money list
– Recorded her first KLPGA win during her rookie year at the 2013 Korea Women’s Open and finished third on the money list that season
– Has two career wins on the LPGA of Japan (JLPGA), both major championships
– Turned professional in 2012
Competition for S. Korean Olympic team heating up [GolfChannel.com]
Maria Verchenova |
Kevin Kirk |
||
Country: | Russia | :Country | |
Turned Professional: | 2007 | America | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 0 | :Years Coaching |
In 2015, Maria played in 10 tournaments and her best finish was T14th at the Tipsport Golf Masters in Pilsen.
176cm tall with dark brown hair and brown eyes. Started to play golf at the age of 12. Studied sports at Moscow State University of Sport. Maria, formerly Verchenova competed under her married name Balikoeva from 2012-2015. She had a child named Maria in September 2012. In 2016, Maria reverted to her maiden name Verchenova.
Teresa Lu |
Henri Reis |
||
Country: | Chinese Taipei | :Country | |
Turned Professional: | 2005 | Sweden | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 12 | :Years Coaching |
Lu played on the Ladies Asian Golf Tour in 2006 and 2007, on the LPGA Tour from 2006 to 2010 and on the LPGA of Japan Tour (JLPGA) since 2010. She won the Mizuno Classic in 2013, a tournament co-sanctioned by the LPGA and JLPGA. She picked up an three additional wins on the JLPGA in 2014 and five in 2015. She also won twice as a non-member on the Ladies Asian Golf Tour in 2012. She finished second on the money list in both 2014 and 2015. Her highest position in world ranking is 19th, and currently she is the highest ranking woman golf player of Taiwan.
Marking a New Page in the History of Golf in Taiwan – Let’s Goal! [LPGA.com]
Paula Reto |
|
Country: | South Africa |
Turned Professional: | 2013 |
Tournament Wins: |
2015 in a Nutshell:
– 22 events, 8 cuts made, $102,187 (88)
– Season-best T13 finish at the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship
Mariajo Uribe |
|
Country: | Colombia |
Turned Professional: | 2009 |
Tournament Wins: | 1 |
5’6”…Started playing golf at the age of 9…Credits her swing coach, Pedro Rossi, as the individual who influenced her career the most…Qualified for the Tour on her first attempt…Hobbies include dancing and scuba diving…Represents Titleist…Has her own Web site, www.mariajouribe.com. Has hew own foundation, FORE, which helps children aged 9-17 with after school programs to help develop life skills, www.fore.com.
2015 in a Nutshell:
– 27 events, 20 cuts made, $385,313 (56)
– Three top-10s including a career-best third-place finish
– Represented Colombia and won two gold medals, one individual and one team, at the 2015 Pan American Games in Ontario, Canada
Lexi Thompson |
Jim McLean |
||
Country: | United States | :Country | |
Turned Professional: | 2010 | America | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 9 | :Years Coaching |
Alexis, but known universally as Lexi, comes from a prominent golfing family. Her two brothers are also talented players and both play professionally – Nicholas competes on the PGA TOUR and Curtis on the Web.com Tour.
Home-schooled in order to focus on golf, she was aged just 12 when she became (at that time) the youngest golfer to qualify to play in the U.S. Women’s Open. She turned professional in June 2010 at age 15 and on September 18, 2011, and set a new record as the youngest winner of an LPGA Tour tournament at age 16 years, seven months, and eight days, when she won the Navistar LPGA Classic.
Three months later she became the second youngest winner of a Ladies European Tour event, capturing the Dubai Ladies Masters by four strokes. She won her first major championship at the 2014 Kraft Nabisco Championship and has currently racked up ten wins in her pro career.
Lexi Thompson: ‘Winning An Olympics Would Be Better Than Any Major’ [ESPN.go.com]
Lexi’s goal: Making U.S. Olympic team [GolfChannel.com]
Lexi Thompson shows what Olympic women’s golf once looked like [Olympics.NBCSports.com]
Jordan Spieth and Lexi Thompson on Masters, Olympics golf [CBSNews.com]
Caroline Masson |
Günter Kessler |
||
Country: | Germany | :Country | |
Turned Professional: | 2009 | Germany | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 1 | :Years Coaching |
n 2015, Caroline played in 5 LET tournaments. Her best performances came at the Aberdeen Asset Management Ladies Scottish Open and Omega Dubai Ladies Masters where she finished T4 at both events.
Caroline, represented Europe at the 2015 Solheim Cup hosted at Golf Club St. Leon-Rot. and won half a point for her team.
Masson is the daughter of Stefan and Gabriele Masson. Her father is a tennis coach in Germany and she has one brother, Alex. She started playing golf aged six and attended Oklahoma State University for a short time. Away from golf she enjoys playing sports, music, movies and seeing friends. Website: www.caroline-masson.com.
Leona Maguire |
Shane O’Grady |
||
Country: | Ireland | :Country | |
Turned Professional: | – | Great Britain & Ireland | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | – | :Years Coaching |
As of 13 May 2015, she is ranked 1st in the world on the women’s World Amateur Golf Ranking.[2] A native of County Cavan, her parents are schoolteachers Declan and Breda Maguire. At the age of 9, she gave up a promising swimming career to concentrate on golf. She is 15 minutes younger than her twin sister Lisa Maguire who is also an accomplished golfer.
Albane Valenzuela |
Nicolas Sulzer |
||
Country: | Switzerland | :Country | |
Turned Professional: | – | Switzerland | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | – | :Years Coaching |
Albane started hitting golf balls at the age of 3 with her father, a top player on the amateur tour, and it was also on a golf course, the Evian course, that her parents met.
All became clear at the age of 7; she wanted to become a professional golfer, like Paula Creamer. Now aged 17, her career seems all mapped out, Albane produces one win after another and showed what she was capable of by winning the Spanish International Stroke Play Championship in May.
Off to a promising start, the young golfer is currently top of the Swiss amateur rankings but for the moment, Albane wants to remain an amateur until she finishes her studies that she will continue at Stanford in 2016, like great golfers before her, in particular Tiger Woods.
Azahara Munoz |
Marcelo Prieto |
||
Country: | Spain | :Country | |
Turned Professional: | 2009 | Spain | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 4 | :Years Coaching |
In 2015, Azahara played in 3 LET tournaments and had her best finish of the season at the Lacoste Ladies Open de France, where she came T7.
Azahara, represented Europe at the 2015 Solheim Cup hosted at Golf Club St. Leon-Rot, and played in 3 matches.
A member of the Spanish National Team, Muñoz enjoyed a successful amateur career, winning the 2002 Spanish Amateur Championship and finishing runner-up at the 2008 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship. She won the British Women’s Amateur championship at Royal St. David’s in June 2009, defeating fellow Spaniard Carlota Ciganda in the final. At Arizona State University, Muñoz was the 2009 NCAA Individual National Champion, as she led the Sun Devils to the team National Championship as well. As a junior, Muñoz represented Europe on the Junior Solheim Cup Team in 2002, 2003 and 2005.
Sandra Gal |
Andrew Park |
||
Country: | Germany | :Country | |
Turned Professional: | 2007 | America | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 1 | :Years Coaching |
2015 In a Nutshell:
– 27 events, 26 cuts made, $531,961 (30)
– Recorded three top-10 finishes including season-best tie for fifth finish at the Blue Bay LPGA
– Competed on her second European Solheim Cup team, posting a 2-1-1 record in her home country of Germany
– Crossed the $3 million mark in career earnings with a 12th place finish at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship
In 2014, played 4 LET events with a best finish T4th at the German Open.
6’…Started playing golf at the age of 6…Competed in first competitive round at the age of 14…Credits her dad as the individual most influencing her career…Hobbies include painting and design, dancing, wakeboarding, playing the violin and modelling…Lives in Orlando, Florida…Has her own Web site, www.sandragal.com…Affiliated with Boys and Girls Club of Montgomery, Ala. Twitter: @TheSandraGal.
Pornanong Phatlum |
Andrew Knott |
||
Country: | Thailand | :Country | |
Turned Professional: | 2006 | Great Britain & Ireland | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 11 | :Years Coaching |
2015 in a Nutshell:
– 28 events, 21 cuts made, $445,383 (38)
– Passed the $2 million mark in career earnings at the Cambia Portland Classic
– Tied her career-best finish of T2 at the Cambia Portland Classic
Pornanong Phatlum wins Dubai Ladies Masters [Golf.com]
Pornanong Phatlum wins HSBC LPGA Brasil Cup [LadiesEuropeanTour.com]
Sei Young Kim |
|
Country: | South Korea |
Turned Professional: | 2o10 |
Tournament Wins: | 8 |
Sei Young Kim, is a South Korean professional golfer.
Kim plays on the LPGA of Korea Tour and the LPGA Tour. She has won five times on the LPGA of Korea Tour and twice on the LPGA Tour, the 2015 Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic and the 2015 LPGA Lotte Championship.
‘Island Queen’ S.Y. Kim eyes spot on South Korean Olympic team [GolfChannel.com]
Marianne Skarpnord |
Darren Webster-Clarke |
||
Country: | Norway | :Country | |
Turned Professional: | 2005 | Norway | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 7 | :Years Coaching |
In 2015, Marianne played in 16 LET tournaments and secured 7 top-15 finishes. Her best performances of the season were achieved at the ISPS Handa New Zealand Women’s Open and the Buick Championship were she finished T4 at both events. She finished the season in 12th position in the Order of Merit, winning €111,355.05.
175cm tall with dark blonde hair and blue eyes. Represents Moss & Rygge GC, Norway.Twitter: @MSkarpnord.
Catriona Matthew |
|
Country: | Great Britain |
Turned Professional: | 1995 |
Tournament Wins: | 11 |
163cm with light brown hair and blue eyes. Started playing golf at the age of five. Married to Graeme Matthew who often caddies for her. Gave birth to first daughter, Katie Jessica, in Florida on Monday 18 December 2006. Second daughter Sophie Lauren arrived in May 2009, just 11 weeks before Catriona’s major victory at the Ricoh Women’s British Open.
Enjoys fitness training, tennis, gardening and reading. Credits her family, John Chillas and Dan Forsman from the USPGA Tour as individuals most influencing her career. Qualified for the LPGA Tour on her first attempt. Graduated with BA Hons in Financial Studies. Twitter: @Beany25.
Catriona Matthew Honoured with Lifetime Achievement Accolade [Ladies European Tour – 14/03/16]
Alena Sharp |
Jeff Moore |
||
Country: | Canada | :Country | |
Turned Professional: | 2003 | Canada | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 9 | :Years Coaching |
5’5″…Started playing golf at the age of 10…Credits her parents as the individuals most influencing her career…In 2006, started the Alena Sharp Charity Classic, which annually benefits The Alzheimer’s Society of Brant-Hamilton-Halton…In 2008, named the ambassador for RCGA Golf For the Cure program…Hobbies include inline skating, movies and music…Qualified for the Tour on her third attempt…Represents Titleist…Has her own Web site, www.alenasharpgolf.com.
Gaby Lopez |
Horacio Morales |
||
Country: | Mexico | :Country | |
Turned Professional: | 2016 | Mexico | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 0 | :Years Coaching |
5’6″…Lopez started playing golf when she was five…Credits her coach, Horacio Morales, as having the most influence on her career…Hobbies include shopping, watching movies, hanging out and listening to music.
Career Highlights:
– Finished T10 at Final Stage to earn LPGA Membership for the 2016 season
– In 2015, runner-up at the NCAA national championships
– Played in the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship (2013-2015) and the Lorena Ochoa Invitational (2014-2015)
– Winner of three events in collegiate competition
– Winner Mexican Amateur Championship in 2013
Pernilla Lindberg |
Patrik Jonsson |
||
Country: | Sweden | :Country | |
Turned Professional: | 2009 | Sweden | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 9 | :Years Coaching |
5’5”…Started playing golf at the age of 3…Credits Annika Sorenstam as the individual who influenced her career the most…Hobbies include alpine skiing and working out…Qualified for the Tour on her first attempt…Is a member of the Annika Team (www.annikateam.com)…Has her own Web site, www.pernillalindberg.se.
2015 in a Nutshell:
– 29 events, 24 cuts made, $417,225 (40)
– Recorded one top-10 finish in 28 starts
– Registered her best finish in a major at the U.S. Women’s Open where she tied for fifth and crossed the $1 million mark in career earnings
In 2015, Pernilla played in 4 LET tournaments. Her best performances were secured at the Helsingborg Open (T6) and the ISPS Handa Women’s Australia Open.
Laetitia Beck |
Andrew Phillips |
||
Country: | Israel | :Country | |
Turned Professional: | 2014 | Canada | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 0 | :Years Coaching |
5’8”…Started playing golf at age 9…Believes that every decision that she made about her golf was her own, but gives a lot of credit to high school golf coach for believing in her talent…Hobbies include…playing any sport. If she didn’t choose the LPGA as a way to make a living as a professional trainer.
2015 in a Nutshell:
– 14 events played, 8 cuts made, $54,278 (111)
– Best finish T19 at the Manulife LPGA Classic
Stephanie Meadow |
Jorge Parada |
||
Country: | Ireland | Spain | :Country |
Turned Professional: | 2014 | :PGA of | |
Tournament Wins: | 0 | :Years Coaching |
5’4″…Started playing golf at the age of seven…Credits her parents as individuals that have most influenced her career…Hobbies include working out, cooking and hanging with friends…Qualified for the LPGA on her first attempt.
Career:
– Finished tied for 18th at the 2014 LPGA Final Qualifying Tournament and lost in a playoff to earn Priority List Category 17 status for the 2015 season
– Posted a solo third finish at the 2014 U.S. Women’s Open in her first professional debut
– A four-time All-American at Alabama
– Recorded nine wins in collegiate competition at Alabama
– Produced a heralded summer of 2012 that included clinching a Curtis Cup victory for Great Britain and Ireland and winning the Ladies British Open Amateur Championship
Candie Kung |
|
Country: | Chinese Taipei |
Turned Professional: | 2001 |
Tournament Wins: | 5 |
5’6”…Started playing golf at the age of 13…Credits her father, mother and brother as the individuals most influencing her career…Qualified for the Tour on her first attempt.
LPGA Tour Victories (4):
– 2003 LPGA Takefuji Classic, Wachovia LPGA Classic, State Farm Classic
– 2008 Hana Bank-KOLON Championship
Minjee Lee, Candie Kung lead Women’s Champions after first round [ESPN.go.com]
Nicole Larsen |
David Dickmeiss |
||
Country: | Denmark | :Country | |
Turned Professional: | Denmark | :PGA of | |
Tournament Wins: | 0 | :Years Coaching |
In 2015, Nicole was voted as the LET ‘Players’ Player of the Year’ after a great season which saw her finish 3rd on the Order of Merit. She recorded her maiden win at the Helsingborg Open in September and had 3 other top 5 finishes including 2nd at the Tipsport Golf Masters. She was the best European player at the Evian Championship, ending T11th in the fifth Major. She also had 14 eagles on the LET throughout the year.
5’10” tall, Nicole started playing golf aged 9 and was inspired by her dad, who has played golf for 40 years in 2016! She played badminton at a high level until she was selected to the Danish National (golf) Team aged 14 and she has represented Denmark since 2007. When she is at home in between tournaments, the most important thing to her is spending time with her family.
Xi Yu Lin |
Andrew Park |
||
Country: | China | :Country | |
Turned Professional: | 2011 | America | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 0 | :Years Coaching |
2015 in a Nutshell:
– 25 events, 19 cuts made, $432,751 (39)
– Tallied a career-best tie for fifth at the Blue Bay LPGA
– Defended her title at the Sanya Ladies Open – a Ladies European Tour (LET) event – in her home country of China
– Recorded a career-low 65 during the first round of the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia
Carlota Ciganda |
Marta Figueras-Dotti |
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Country: | Spain | :Country | |
Turned Professional: | 2011 | Spain | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 4 | :Years Coaching |
In 2015, Carlota made four appearances on the LET with her best finish T30th. She played in The Solheim Cup for the second time and gave a strong performance, earning two points for the European Team at Golf Club St. Leon-Rot in Germany.
Height 1.75 m, brown eyes and hair. Started to play golf aged five and credits her father as the biggest influence on her career. Her uncle is the ex-football player and coach Jose Angel Ziganda. Her biggest hero is Rafael Nadal. She attended Arizona State University. Hobbies include movies, music, sports and going out with friends. Twitter: @Carlotagolf.
Gwladys Nocera |
Olivier L’Eglise |
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Country: | France | :Country | |
Turned Professional: | 2002 | France | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 15 | :Years Coaching |
In 2015, Gwladys played in 17 LET tournaments. She secured an extremely impressive 11 top-10 finishes and won the Lalla Meryem Cup. She finished in 4th position in the Order of Merit, winning €214,065.90.
Gwladys, represented Europe at the 2015 Solheim Cup hosted at Golf Club St. Leon-Rot, and won 1 point for her team.
168cm tall with brown hair and brown eyes. Interests include rugby, tennis, surfing, music and dogs. Was accidentally shot through the stomach as a teenager and still bears two scars. Influenced by her coach, Olivier Leglise. Attended New Mexico State University, Las Cruces. Holds a degree in International Business. Now lives in Canton de VAUD, Switzerland. Sponsored by Lacoste. Website: www.gwladysnocera.net.
Aditi Ashok |
Steven Giuliano |
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Country: | Belgium | :Country | |
Turned Professional: | 2015 | Australia | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | :Years Coaching |
Aditi finished her amateur career as World No. 11 on the World Amateur Golf Rankings and started her journey as a Professional Golfer from 1st January 2016 as she secured a full card to play on Ladies European Tour. At 17, Aditi is the youngest to win Ladies European Tour’s Lalla Aicha Tour School with the lowest winning score of 23 under par in the event held in December 2015.
During her last year as an amateur she won the St Rule Trophy, Ladies British Amateur Stroke Play, 81st Singha Thailand Amateur and won a Silver Medal at the International European Ladies Amateur Championship.
She has 6 International wins and 17 titles including 5 Low Amateur finishes in LET and LPGA events. She won the regional qualifier for the sole spot to Sime Darby LPGA 2015 and became the First Indian to play the Sime Darby LPGA 2015 at KLGCC, finished as Low Amateur and Tied 42nd. She has won 2 WGAI professional tournaments as an amateur and is also the youngest winner of WGAI’s tournament in 2011 at 13 years and 5 months. She finished Low Amateur three times in the LET Hero Women’s Indian Open Golf in 2012, 2014 and 2015 at Tied 8th, Tied 14th and Tied 13th respectively.
She is the only Indian golfer to have played the Asian Youth Games (2013) Youth Olympic Games (2014) and Asian Games (2014).
Shiho Oyama |
David Nable |
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Country: | Japan | :Country | |
Turned Professional: | 2000 | Australia | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 0 | :Years Coaching |
Shiho Oyama turned pro in 2000. Her first win was at Beruna Ladies Cup Golf Tournament in 2003. She started playing for U.S LPGA tour since 2009 season after qualifying the final qualification with the result of 4th tie. She kept challenging on major tournaments held abroad since 2006, the year she finished 1st on money ranking for the JLPGA Tour.
Shiho Oyama Finishes with Birdie on 9th in RD1 of 2016 ANA [LPGA.com]
Christine Wolf |
Colette Murray |
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Country: | Austria | :Country | |
Turned Professional: | 2012 | America | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | :Years Coaching |
In 2015, Christine played in 14 LET tournaments and recorded four top 20 finishes including T4th at the Deloitte Ladies Open.
Height: 172cm with brown eyes and hair. Started playing golf aged 10, on May 1st, 1999. Greatest influence is Hansi Lamberg. Enjoys skiing, mountain biking, rock climbing, swimming and tennis. Education: University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, BS in Marketing. Twitter: @ChristineWolf89.
Alejandra Llaneza |
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Country: | Mexico |
Turned Professional: | 2013 |
Tournament Wins: | 2 |
Llaneza started playing golf at the age of 10 years old. She also enjoys cooking, rollerblading, hiking and tennis..
2015 in a Nutshell:
– Won the Self Regional Healthcare Foundation Women’s Health Classic and had five additional top-10 finishes on Symetra Tour
– Finished seventh on the Symetra Tour’s Volvik Race for the Card money list to earn LPGA membership for the 2016 season
Julieta Granada |
Sean Foley |
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Country: | Paraguay | :Country | |
Turned Professional: | 2005 | Canada | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 3 | :Years Coaching |
5’2”…Started playing golf at the age of 4…Credits her parents, Scott Betger, Jonathan Yarwood and David Leadbetter as the individuals most influencing her career…Hobbies include playing tennis and shopping…Qualified for the Tour on her first attempt.
2015 in a Nutshell:
– 28 events, 25 cuts made, $348,645 (51)
– Recorded two top-10 finishes with a season-best T7 finish at the ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open
– Crossed the $4 million mark in career earnings with a T22 finish at the 2015 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship
– Has shot a career-low 65 on six different occasions, most recently at the Manulife LPGA Classic
Karine Icher |
Andrew Park |
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Country: | France | :Country | |
Turned Professional: | 2000 | America | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 5 | :Years Coaching |
In 2015, Karine represented Europe in the Solheim Cup hosted at Golf Club St. Leon-Rot winning 2 points. She played in 3 LET events with her best finish of T20 secured at The Evian Championship.
175cm with brown hair and green eyes. Interests include reading, shopping and running. Represents Crans Sur Sierre Golf Club. Graduated in Economics at University. Married to Fredrik Bonnargent who acts as Karine’s caddie. Daughter, Lola, was born in August, 2011.
Ursula Wikstrom |
Petteri Nykky |
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Country: | Finland | Finland | :Country |
Turned Professional: | 2003 | Finland | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 0 | :Years Coaching | |
RWGR: | 222 |
In 2015, Ursula played in 15 tournaments and recorded four top 10 finishes including a T2nd place finish at the Deloitte Ladies Open. Her next best finish was 5th in the World Ladies Championship at Mission Hills Haikou Resort.
166cm tall with blonde hair and blue eyes. Hobbies include movies and sports. Attached to Kymen GC, represents Finland. Née Tuutti, married Mika Wikstrom, who works for the Finnish Golf Federation, early in 2005 and changed her name from Tuutti to Wikstrom. First son, Erni, born early in 2007. Twitter: @UrsulaWikstrom.
Klara Spilkova |
Keith Williams |
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Country: | Czech Republic | Wales | :Country |
Turned Professional: | 2011 | Great Britain & Ireland | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 0 | 42 | :Years Coaching |
Klara and coach, Keith Williams, have been working together since she joined the Czech Golf Federation training squad in 2007 when she was 12 years old. Keith states that Klara has always had a determined attitude which is how she has got to where she is today, and it is Keith’s vast experience that helps Klara build her own self-belief and confidence.
Keith and Klara meet once a month or more and communicate regularly online to keep up to date with her progress. Their training schedule has been driven by the Olympics with an increase in practice on links-style courses in preparation for the Olympic course in Rio.
“I know I have a coach who’s worked with Major winners, Ryder Cup players and with two national Federations, which helps build my own self-belief and confidence. If he tells me I can do it then I know I can and that he means it! Just to be a part of the largest sporting event in the World, staged once every four years, wearing your national colours in the first golf tournament staged in modern times at the Olympics is…as they say in the UK… a ‘no brainier’!” Klara Spilkova
“It’s a big year for Klara as in a small country like the Czech Republic the benefits are enormous. We are increasing our practice on some links venues as we are told the Rio course is designed in that style. We have just finished four days training at Saunton GC in Devon, I will coach & caddy for Klara at Dundonald Links for the Scottish Ladies Open later this year and we will organise one more links visit before Brazil.” Keith Williams
Klara and Keith answer the Olympic Coach Q&A to explain more about their working relationship and how they are approaching the 2016 Olympics with training and pre-tournament preparations.
Spilková inspiring next generation in Dubai [LadiesEuopeanTour.com]
Noora Tamminen |
Petteri Nykky |
||
Country: | Finland | :Country | |
Turned Professional: | 2013 | Finland | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 0 | :Years Coaching |
In 2015, Noora played in 15 LET tournaments and had her best performance of the season at the Pilsen Golf Masters where she came T5. She finished the season 33rd in the Order of Merit, winning €52,580.86.
Height: 168cm tall with blonde hair and blue eyes. Noora tarted playing golf on April 1st, 2002. Greatest influence: Esa Lehti. Enjoys all sports.
Kelly Tan |
Bob Heintz |
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Country: | Malaysia | :Country | |
Turned Professional: | 2014 | America | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 0 | :Years Coaching |
2015 in a Nutshell:
– 21 events, 11 cuts made, $83,836 (95)
– Best finish in 2015 was a tie for 25th at the Kingsmill Championship Presented by JTBC
Miriam Nagl |
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Country: | Brazil |
Turned Professional: | 2001 |
Tournament Wins: |
In 2015, Miriam played in 6 LET tournaments and had her best event at the Pilsen Golf Masters, where she came T14.
172 cm tall, curly brown hair and brown-green eyes. Hobbies include fishing, movies, reading, spending time with my daughter. Credits parents and brother as having most influence on her career.
Giulia Molinaro |
Enrico Trentin |
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Country: | Italy | Italy | :Country |
Turned Professional: | 2014 | Italy | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | :Years Coaching |
2015 in a Nutshell:
– 4 events, 1 cut made, $3,648 (165
– Posted nine top-10 finishes including five top 5’s in a row on the Symetra Tour
– Finished second on the Symetra Tour’s Volvik Race for the Card money list to earn LPGA membership for the 2016 season
Victoria Lovelady |
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Country: | Brazil |
Turned Professional: | 2010 |
Tournament Wins: | 0 |
In 2015, Victoria played in 7 LET tournaments with her best week secured at the Buick Championship where she finished T34.
In 2014, Victoria played in 11 LET tournaments with her season best finish coming at the Helsingborg Open (T50). Twitter: @vic_brasil_golf.
Giulia Sergas |
Costantino Rocca |
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Country: | Italy | Italy | :Country |
Turned Professional: | 1999 | Italy | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 0 | :Years Coaching |
In 2015, Giulia played in 6 LET tournaments, secured her best finish of the season at the Hero Women’s Indian Open (6th) and finished 68th in the Order of Merit, winning €21,549.60.
5’9″…Started playing golf at the age of 10. Credits her coach Donato Diponziano and her family as the individuals most influencing her career.
Hobbies include all sports, skydiving, snowboarding, listening to music, dancing and reading. Spent one year at UCLA in California.
Represents Giulia by Giulia Sergas and Il Mondo del Golf. Has her own website, www.GiuliaSergas.com. Facebook: www.facebook.com/giulia.sergas.
Chloe Leurquin |
Arnaud Langenaeken |
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Country: | Belgium | :Country | |
Turned Professional: | 2012 | Belgium | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | :Years Coaching |
In 2015, Chloe played in 16 LET tournaments, with her season best performance coming at the Pilsen Golf Masters where she finished 18th. She finished the season 56th in the Order of Merit, winning €29,944.52.
Chloe was born in Rio de Janeiro in August 1990 because her father was working there. She then lived for 5 years in Barcelona, Spain, before going back to Belgium.
Chloe graduated from high school in June 2008 and then started a bachelor in Business engineering in UCL (Belgium). Finished her bachelor in June 2012. After that, started a Master in Business administration in Louvain School of Management (Belgium).
Fabienne In-Albon |
Stefan Gort |
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Country: | Switzerland | Switzerland | :Country |
Turned Professional: | 2012 | Switzerland | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 0 | 19 | :Years Coaching |
PGA of Switzerland Professional, Stefan Gort, and Ladies European Tour Member, Fabienne In-Albon, began working together in 1998 when Fabienne was part of the first regional squad and then a member of the Swiss Sports Gymnasium Golf-Team Davos. Since then the pair have worked on and off together forming a team of practitioners around Fabienne that have helped her through the ups and downs of her career.
As Switzerland’s only current potential Olympic Qualifier, Fabienne is not getting ahead of herself and is working to play well in the lead up to the qualification cut-off, and is working with Stefan to ensure the distractions and potential pressures around playing at the Olympics do not interfere with her plans and preparations.
“We have a great team an everyone knows his/her part very well. We do all communicate a lot to serve Fabienne in the best way. The only thing that counts is, to make Fabienne better and to get her closer to her dreams. There is no selfishness in the team or arrogance. Everyone serves for that one purpose.” Stefan Gort
“[The Olympics] is THE Event, but we have to try and see it as just another tournament, and even though this will not completely work out, my Team is helping me to prepare for it the same way as I would prepare for any other event as well. I think that approach is very good, because I am not qualified yet and so I have to perform well at all the tournaments coming up.” Fabienne In-Albon
Fabienne and Stefan answer the Olympic Coach Q&A to explain more about their working relationship and how they are approaching Rio 2016 with their training and pre-tournament preparations.
Michelle Koh |
|
Country: | Malaysia |
Turned Professional: | 2014 |
Tournament Wins: | 1 |
Koh is a Malaysian Professional Golfer playing on the China LPGA Tour and in 2015 earned her first pro title at Shanghai Classic.
Golf: Malaysia’s Michelle Koh snares first pro title at Shanghai Classic [Sport-Asia.com]
Maha Haddioui |
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Country: | Morocco |
Turned Professional: | 2014 |
Tournament Wins: | 1 |
Born in Taipei, Taiwan and Cheng moved to New Zealand with her family at the age of four. She grew up in New Zealand and started playing golf around 10 years old.
In 2009, she traveled to the United States to play tournaments and was offered a full four year golf scholarship to attend Pepperdine University and compete in NCAA Division I college golf beginning the following year in August 2010.
Cheng completed her undergraduate degree in April 2014 graduating Pepperdine with honors with an economics major and marketing minor. 2015 was her first year playing golf as a professional.
Ariya Jutanugarn |
Andrew Park |
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Country: | Thailand | xxxxxx | :Country |
Turned Professional: | 2012 | America | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 1 | :Years Coaching |
5’7″…Credits her dad as having the most influence on her career…Started playing golf at the age of 5 1/2…Hobbies…Swimming and tennis…Qualified for the LPGA in her first attempt.
2015 in a Nutshell:
– 29 events, 17 cuts made, $482,527 (35)
– Finished sixth in the Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year race
– Four top-10 finishes with a season best of a tie for a runner-up finish at the Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic
Young LPGA player Ariya Jutanugarn still coming back [DesertSun.com]
Justin Rose |
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Country: | Great Britain |
Turned Professional: | 1998 |
Tournament Wins: | 19 |
Made his Major Championship breakthrough at the U.S. Open in 2013, finally fulfilling the potential he had shown as an amateur when he finished fourth in the Open Championship in 1998. Won by two shots at Merion GC, holding off Phil Mickelson and Luke Donald, and jumped to a career-best third in the Official World Golf Ranking.
With his maiden Major secured, Rose continued to perform consistently, sealing his seventh European Tour victory at the 2014 Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open on his way to finishing third in the Race to Dubai.
Also played a leading role in The Ryder Cup at Gleneagles that year, remaining undefeated and claiming four points out of a possible five as Europe cruised to a 16½-11½ victory, where he also secured a vital point against Mickelson in the Sunday singles as Europe produced a magical comeback at what is now known as the ‘Miracle of Medinah’.
Moved to England from South Africa at the age of five, when he started to play seriously at Hartley Wintney GC and North Hants GC, both near his Hampshire home. First broke 70 aged 11, and was playing off a handicap of plus three at 14. Played in the 1997 Walker Cup aged just 17 years and ten days.
Henrik Stenson |
Pete Cowen |
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Country: | Sweden | England | :Country |
Turned Professional: | 1998 | Great Britain & Ireland | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 17 | :Years Coaching |
Came close to breaking his Major duck in the 2014 US PGA Championship, where he finished in a tie for third place behind Rory McIlroy, before defending a title for the first time in his career at the season finale, the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai.
Also enjoyed a fine Ryder Cup at Gleneagles, forming a formidable partnership with Justin Rose over the first two days to help Europe record another victory over the USA. His win at the 2013 DP World Tour Championship, Dubai, made him the first player to win both the Race to Dubai and the US PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup in the same season.
Has won nine individual titles on the European Tour, and also partnered fellow Swede Robert Karlsson to victory in the 2008 World Cup. A family friend introduced him to the game, and he got down to scratch by the age of 18. Won the 2000 Challenge Tour Rankings with a record of eight top ten finishes, which included three wins. Lives in Orlando and is coached by the Dubai-based Pete Cowen.
The Confederation of Professional Golf caught up with coach The Open Champion, Henrik Stenson’s, coach, Pete Cowen (PGA of GB&I), to find out more about how they work together and how Cowen feels about coaching so many champions.
Matt Kuchar |
Chris O’Connell |
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Country: | USA | America | :Country |
Turned Professional: | 2000 | America | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | x | :Years Coaching |
First took up the game at 12 when his mother, Meg, upgraded the family’s country club membership to include golf. He and his father, Pete, a keen tennis player who was once ranked No. 1 in doubles in the state of Florida, were both soon hooked on the game. Made rapid progress through the amateur ranks before winning the U.S. Amateur Championship in 1997 – following three consecutive victories by Tiger Woods.
The following year, he received the Fred Haskins Award given to America’s leading collegiate golfer. Met his wife, Sybi, during their time together at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta. In 2009, the pair teamed to win the consolation title in the United States Tennis Association’s National Husband & Wife Doubles Championship, held at the ATP Headquarters in Florida. Owns seven PGA Tour titles during his career.
Thomas Pieters |
Pete Cowen |
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Country: | Belgium | United Kingdom | :Country |
Turned Professional: | 2013 | Great Britain & Ireland | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 2 | :Years Coaching |
Having impressed in his rookie season on the European Tour in 2014, he won twice in consecutive appearances in 2015, first at the D+D REAL Czech Masters in August and then a fortnight later at the KLM Open.
In the Czech Republic, he shrugged off a two-shot penalty in the third round when he hit the wrong ball to ultimately finish three strokes clear of Pelle Edberg.
His family had travelled 850km overnight by road from Belgium to watch the final round, and their presence inspired him to close out victory with a three under par 69.
Long tipped as one of the stars of the future, he came through all three stages of the 2013 Qualifying School, taking the 20th card at the Final Stage.
After his education at the Top Sport School Golf of the Golf Association Flanders (Belgium) where he first met his current coach Pete Cowen, he had a celebrated amateur college career in America, where he overcame Major Champion Jordan Spieth and former world amateur number one Patrick Cantlay to win the NCAA Division I Golf Championship in his sophomore year at the University of Illinois.
Rafa Cabrera Bello |
David Leadbetter |
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Country: | Spain | South Africa | :Country |
Turned Professional: | 2005 | :PGA of | |
Tournament Wins: | 5 | :Years Coaching |
Enjoyed a brilliant start to 2016, finishing runner-up in back-to-back weeks in Qatar and Dubai and 11th in the WGC-Cadillac Championship before taking the WGC-Dell Match Play by storm in Austin, Texas. He downed Rory McIlroy in the third place match, however, and an additional consolation was guaranteeing a debut appearance in the Masters two weeks later.
Claimed his second European Tour victory in 2012 at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, where he held off McIlroy and Lee Westwood, among others. Made his European Tour breakthrough at the 2009 Austrian Golf Open thanks to a stunning final-round 60. Claimed the Spanish National Championship every year from Under-seven to Under-18 level after taking the game up at the age of six. Studied business, economics and business law at university, but still has to complete his degree after his studies were interrupted by his rise through the professional golfing ranks as he finished 14th on the 2006 Challenge Tour Rankings following victory at the MAN NÖ Open in Austria.
Grew up next to a golf course in the Canary Islands, and his sister Emma competes on the Ladies European Tour. Owns a house in Bali, where he loves to spend time surfing.
Kiradech Aphibarnrat |
Peter Wolfenstetter |
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Country: | Thailand | :Country | |
Turned Professional: | 2008 | Germany | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 6 | :Years Coaching |
Produced a magnificent finish to the 2015 Shenzhen International to claim his second European Tour title, beating home favourite Li Hao-tong with a birdie at the first play-off hole after eagling the 17th in regulation play to tie the lead.
Added another title in August that year at the inaugural Saltire Energy Paul Lawrie Match Play, seeing off home favourite Marc Warren in the semi-finals before beating Swede Robert Karlsson one up in the final.
Those victories helped put a difficult spell behind him, during which he suffered a loss of form following the death of his coach, Natpasit Chokthanasar, in December 2013.
Claimed his first European Tour win at the 2013 Maybank Malaysian Open in March 2013 as a Category 12 member, and immediately took up full membership.
Turned professional in 2008 and won the following year, by a whopping 11 shots, at the Singha Pattaya Open on the Mercedes-Benz Tour. Claimed his maiden Asian Tour title at the 2011 SAIL Open. Known for his go-for-broke style of play, he won his age group at the Junior World Golf Championships in 2003 and 2004.
In 2007 he was on the gold medal team at the World University Games. Represented Thailand in the 2011 and 2013 World Cup of Golf. Was previously known as Anujit Hirunratanakorn, but his family decided to change his name for good luck.
Marcus Fraser |
Denis McDade |
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Country: | Australia | Australia | :Country |
Turned Professional: | 2002 | Australia | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 6 | :Years Coaching |
Rode the wave of Australian success in 2016 to claim the Maybank Malaysian Open, winning by two shots from Soomin Lee and Miguel Tabuena.
The win in Kuala Lumpur helped banish the frustrations caused by a hand injury, which forced him to miss most of the 2014 campaign. His last European Tour win came in 2010 at the Ballantine’s Championship in Korea.
Also took a share of second place in the Omega European Masters en route to finishing a career-best 25th in the Race to Dubai. Made his breakthrough in 2003 at the dual-ranking BMW Russian Open, beating Austria’s Martin Wiegele in a play-off at Le Meridien Moscow Country Club, thus guaranteeing his playing privileges on the European Tour for 2004. His brother Adam also played on the Asian Tour.
Sergio Garcia |
Victor Garcia |
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Country: | Spain | Spain | :Country |
Turned Professional: | 1999 | Spain | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 28 | :Years Coaching |
Pushed Rory McIlroy all the way in a thrilling finish to the 143rd Open Championship with a brilliant final round 66, but ultimately had to settle for a share of second place. Also finished second to McIlroy in the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational a few weeks later, narrowly missing out on adding to the trophy he won at the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters at the beginning of the season. Continued his love affair with The Ryder Cup at Gleneagles in 2014, winning two and a half points from four matches to help Europe to victory. Also played an instrumental part in the ‘Miracle at Medinah’ in 2012, beating Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker alongside Luke Donald in the Saturday fourballs, then claiming a crucial point against Jim Furyk in the singles as Europe mounted an astonishing comeback.
Was also a vice captain to Colin Montgomerie at The 2010 Ryder Cup, where Europe beat the United States by a point. Turned professional on 21st April 1999, after becoming the first Amateur Champion to finish low amateur in the Masters Tournament.
Bubba Watson |
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Country: | United States |
Turned Professional: | 2003 |
Tournament Wins: | 12 |
He and his wife, Angie, adopted their son (Caleb) on March 26, 2012 and adopted their daughter (Dakota) in December of 2014.
Formed the Bubba Watson Foundation in January 2014. The foundation’s mission is to enhance the everyday lives of people in need and placing a particular emphasis on helping and inspiring children, young adults and those associated with the U.S. military.
Sponsors the Bubba Watson Invitational at the University of West Florida, a women’s NCAA Division II golf tournament at Stonebrook Village GC.
Recognized his responsibility as a role model to kids by returning to the University of Georgia to complete his degree wihout telling family or friends. Wanted to encourage kids to get an education and pursue their dreams.
Self-taught player who learned the game by hitting wiffle balls around his house. “The house was probably an acre-and-a-half yard with big trees in downtown Bagdad (Fla). The house is sitting here, and I drew in the dirt driveway. I’d draw a big circle, and that would be my hole, a 5-foot circle. I’d go around it to the left and then I’d go around it to the right. So I learned to cut it. If you know about wiffle balls or plastic balls, it’s hard to cut. Then I learned to hook it the other way, hit it high over limbs, hit it low under limbs. I’d say non-stop every day from 6 to 12 years old. Instead of playing with trucks out in the yard, I’d play with a ball and a club.”
Emiliano Grillo |
Grant Price |
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Country: | Argentina | :Country | |
Turned Professional: | 2011 | Great Britain & Ireland | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 3 | :Years Coaching |
Continued to progress in 2014, the highlight being a runner-up finish in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic which helped him to a career-best 44th in the Race to Dubai.
His decision at the age of 14 to move away from his home town, to the Argentinian capital Buenos Aires so he could play golf, looked to have paid dividends when he graduated to the European Tour via the 2011 Qualifying School Final Stage.
Following his move to Buenos Aires, he moved to the USA at the age of 16 to study as well as hone his golf skills, having already spent a year travelling back and forth to the David Leadbetter Golf Academy.
Represented Argentina as an amateur and won the Tarra Cotta Invitational in Naples, Florida in April 2011 before turning professional in September. Supports Argentinian football team River Plate.
Patrick Reed |
Josh Gregory |
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Country: | USA | America | :Country |
Turned Professional: | 2011 | America | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | x | :Years Coaching |
Confirmed his talent with victory at the 2014 World Golf Championships-Cadillac Championship, where he prevailed by one stroke over Bubba Watson and Jamie Donaldson to secure his third US PGA Tour title.
At age 23 years and 216 days, he became the youngest player to win a World Golf Championships event. Previous wins came at the Humana Challenge and at the Wyndham Championship, where he had his wife, Justine, as his caddie –becoming the first player to triumph on the PGA Tour with his spouse as a caddie since Steve Stricker won the 1996 Western Open.
Made an impressive debut in the 2014 Ryder Cup, winning 3.5 points out of a possible four at Gleneagles. Has twice been a runner-up on the PGA Tour in 2016.
Bernd Wiesberger |
Philippe De Busschere |
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Country: | Austria | :Country | |
Turned Professional: | 2006 | Belgium | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 7 | :Years Coaching |
Claimed the biggest title of his career at the 2015 Alstom Open de France, winning in superb style at Le Golf National. That continued his affinity with France, having won twice there on the Challenge Tour in 2010 – first at the Golf Open de Lyon with a 62 on the final day and then the Golf Open du Grand Toulouse.
Won twice in the space of three months in 2012, first at the lucrative Ballantine’s Championship and then storming to victory in the Lyoness Open powered by Greenfinity in his native Austria with a stunning final round of 65.
The highlight of his 2014 campaign came at the US PGA Championship, where he had the honour of playing in the last group alongside eventual winner Rory McIlroy on the final day.
Having been taught by his father, he underlined his potential by winning the Austrian Amateur Stroke Play Championship three years running from 2004, before turning professional in 2006. Shares coaches with compatriot Markus Brier.
Byeong-Hun An |
David Leadbetter |
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Country: | South Korea | :Country | |
Turned Professional: | 2011 | America | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 3 | :Years Coaching |
The son of two Olympic medallists in table tennis (his mother Jiao Zhimin represented China and his father Ahn Jae-hyung represented South Korea at the Seoul Games in 1988), An continued his family’s sporting success with a runaway victory in the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.
Entered the final round tied for the lead and carded a brilliant seven under par 65 to win by six strokes and become the first Asian winner of the prestigious event. Had already shown potential with three top ten finishes in the first few months of his rookie season, having graduated from the Challenge Tour via third place in the 2014 Rankings.
Took the advice of his friend Peter Uihlein’s father to begin his professional career in Europe, a decision vindicated by his victory in the 2014 Rolex Trophy, where he became the first Korean to triumph on Europe’s second tier. In 2009 he became the youngest winner of the U.S. Amateur Championship aged 17. Goes by the name of Ben and is a huge Manchester United fan.
David Lingmerth |
Steve Fell |
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Country: | Sweden | :Country | |
Turned Professional: | 2010 | America | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 2 | :Years Coaching |
Lists Inverness and Royal Portrush as his favourite courses. Superstitions included never using a No. 2 ball in competition.
The Arkansas Razorbacks are his favourite college team and the Washington Capitals are his favorite pro team. Enjoys watching ESPN.
Would round out his dream foursome with his dad, uncle and grandfather. His uncle, Goran Lingmerth, was a kicker for the Cleveland Browns in 1987.
1 PGA Tour Victories:
– 2015 the Memorial Tournament presented by Nationwide.
Martin Kaymer |
Günter Kessler |
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Country: | Germany | Germany | :Country |
Turned Professional: | 2005 | Germany | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 64 | :Years Coaching |
Rediscovered his best form in 2014, first securing the coveted Players Championship on the US PGA Tour before a sensational wire-to-wire victory at the U.S. Open Championship brought him a second Major title.
Those wins helped earn him a third Ryder Cup appearance at Gleneagles, and he won two points from four, including a singles victory over Bubba Watson sealed by a spectacular chip-in at the 16th. Was Europe’s hero at The 2012 Ryder Cup, holing a six-foot putt on the last to defeat Steve Stricker and secure the point needed to complete a miraculous comeback and retain the Samuel Ryder Trophy.
Continued his progression in 2011, winning the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship for the third time in four years and reaching the final of the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship. Lost to Luke Donald, but the consolation prize was reaching World Number One, a position he held for eight weeks.
Only the second German after Bernhard Langer to be European Number One, he has fulfilled the potential he showed early in his career, when he finished fourth in the 2006 Challenge Tour Rankings after playing just eight events and winning two – including on his professional debut. Once shot a round of 59 on the EPD Tour, in the second round of the Habsberg Classic, remarkably with a bogey on the second hole. Followed that with 12 birdies and an eagle and now marks his golf balls with ‘59’.
Seamus Power |
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Country: | Ireland |
Turned Professional: | x |
Tournament Wins: | x |
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Thongchai Jaidee |
Peter Wolfenstetter |
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Country: | Thailand | Germany | :Country |
Turned Professional: | 1999 | Germany | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 18 | :Years Coaching |
From humble beginnings, he has blazed a trail for golf in Thailand with numerous records to his name.
In 2004 he made history as the first Thai golfer to win an event on the European Tour with victory in the Malaysian Open, and then successfully defended the title in 2005.
His first victory earned a personal audience with Thailand’s former Prime Minister, who gave him a diplomatic passport to expedite his future ease of movement between countries on the European Tour.
Proved he could also win on European soil with victory at the ISPS Handa Wales Open in June 2012, and added more titles in Europe at the 2014 Nordea Masters, where he beat Victor Dubuisson and Stephen Gallacher in a play-off, and the 2015 Porsche European Open.
Was a playing captain at the inaugural EurAsia Cup in 2014 and beat Graeme McDowell in the singles to help Asia stage a brilliant final-day comeback, and also made his debut in the Presidents Cup in 2015.
Spent his childhood in a two storey wooden house which backed onto a golf course. Represented his province at football but was injured when a wooden skewer was embedded in his foot. During recuperation he sneaked onto the Army Golf Club behind his home in Lop Buri, tied the discarded head of a five iron to a bamboo stick and started playing golf. Joined the Royal Thai Army in 1989, aged 20, becoming a paratrooper and then turned professional ten years later.
Fabrizio Zanotti |
Gary Gilchrist |
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Country: | Paraguay | :Country | |
Turned Professional: | 2003 | Gary Gilchrist | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 5 | :Years Coaching |
Earned a breakthrough victory in 2014 with a maiden European Tour title at the BMW International Open in Germany.
Was made to work hard for the win, having to hold off the challenges of Rafa Cabrera-Bello, Grégory Havret and 2013 Race to Dubai winner Henrik Stenson in a four-man sudden death play-off.
Introduced to the game at the age of two, when he used to run behind his father with a small stick and a ball. Went on to become Paraguay’s top-ranked amateur for six years, before turning professional in 2003.
Fabian Gomez |
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Country: | Argentina |
Turned Professional: | 2001 |
Tournament Wins: | 15 |
Favorite professional team is Boca, Jr., a soccer team from Argentina. Lists Tiger Woods and legendary Argentine soccer player Diego Maradona as his heroes. Got started in the game by serving as a caddie at age 8.
2 PGA Tour Victories:
– 2016 Sony Open in Hawaii
– 2015 FedEx St. Jude Classic
Graham DeLaet |
Kevin Burton |
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Country: | Canada | :Country | |
Turned Professional: | 2007 | America | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 4 | :Years Coaching |
Along with wife, Ruby, launched the Graham and Ruby DeLaet Foundation, with a central focus of supporting children’s health and helping the development of junior golfers at all levels of the game.
The Graham DeLaet Charity Golf Tournament has supported Saskatchewan-based organizations such as Golf Saskatchewan and the Weyburn and District Hospital Foundation.
The foundation’s first initiative, the Graham Slam, was a partnership with the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Saskatchewan, a provincial charity dedicated to raising funds for the enhancement of children’s healthcare and the creation of the new Children’s Hospital of Saskatchewan. Raised $380,000 in that first year.
3 MACKENZIE Mackenzie Tour-PGA Tour Canada Victories:
– 2009 ATB Financial Classic, The Players Cup
– 2008 Desjardins Montreal Open
Alex Cejka |
Peter Karz |
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Country: | Germany | :Country | |
Turned Professional: | 1989 | Germany | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 12 | :Years Coaching |
Cejka enjoyed phenomenal European Tour success in 1995 recording three victories, including the Volvo Masters, to finish sixth on the Order of Merit.
Claimed his fourth European Tour title in 2002 when he won the Trophée Lancôme. Spent most of his time in the United States since then, coming close to winning on a number of occasions but twice finishing runner-up.
Yuta Ikeda |
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Country: | Japan |
Turned Professional: | 2008 |
Tournament Wins: |
Born in Chiba, Ikeda was inspired by his great idol, Jumbo Ozaki, who became a trailblazer for Japanese golf in the latter decades of the 20th century. Won the Japanese Junior Championships in successive years in 2002 and 2003 after turning professional in 2008.
Made a quick start to his pro career, winning on the Japan Challenge Tour in his first season. Made a huge impact on the Japan Golf Tour over the next few years.
He won four times in each of his first two full seasons in Japan, in 2009 and 2010, and has added at least one tournament win per year subsequently. The most recent success in 2016 came at the Panasonic Open, co-sanctioned with the Asian Tour.
Has played in all four majors, the best finish being a tie for 29th at the 2010 Masters.
Soren Kjeldsen |
Colin Smith |
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Country: | Denmark | United Kingdom | :Country |
Turned Professional: | 1995 | Denmark | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 5 | :Years Coaching |
Enjoyed a summer to remember in 2015, first winning the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open hosted by the Rory Foundation – his first victory for six years – then reaching 500 European Tour appearances at the US PGA Championship.
Celebrated the milestone properly the following week on home soil at the Made in Denmark, where he was tied second at the end of an emotional few days. Called it the best experience he has had on a golf course when thousands of fans packed the famous 16th hole with flags bearing ‘SK500’ in the first round, cheering wildly as his tee shot ended inches from the cup.
His win at Royal County Down, where he beat Eddie Pepperell and Bernd Wiesberger in a play-off, ended a frustrating period and reignited his belief he could win despite turning 40.
Represented Denmark in the Eisenhower Trophy as an amateur before he qualified for the European Tour through the Challenge Tour Rankings in 1997. That year he also tested his stamina in another way by running a marathon and he achieved a highly respectable time of three hours and 54 minutes.
Mikko Ilonen |
Timo Rauhala |
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Country: | Finland | Finland | :Country |
Turned Professional: | 2001 | Finland | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 5 | :Years Coaching |
Delivered the biggest win of his European Tour career – and the biggest in Finnish golfing history – in the 2014 Volvo World Match Play Championship, where he beat defending champion Graeme McDowell in the group stage and top seed Henrik Stenson in the final en route to securing the prestigious title.
Also tasted victory at the 2013 Nordea Masters in Sweden, where second and third rounds of 63 and 65 set up a three shot win at Bro Hof Slott GC. Became the first man from his country to win on the European Tour International Schedule with victory in Indonesia in 2007. Achieved further success that year when he won the Scandinavian Masters title to become one of seven multiple winners of the 2007 season.
Danny Lee |
Drew Steckel |
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Country: | New Zealand | :Country | |
Turned Professional: | 2009 | America | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 3 | :Years Coaching |
Favorite course is Augusta National. Favorite college team is Southern California, and the Dallas Cowboys are his favorite pro team. The Art of Learning is his favorite book. Tiger Woods is his favorite athlete to watch.
Would add Woods, Anthony Kim and K.J. Choi to his dream foursome…Attended Sungkyunkwan University for his freshman year…Attended Rotorua Boy’s High School and has established a Danny Lee Scholarship at the school…Has two brothers. Family moved from native South Korea to New Zealand when he was age 8.
Matteo Manassero |
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Country: | Italy |
Turned Professional: | 2003 |
Tournament Wins: | 4 |
Que won the Philippine Amateur twice before turning professional in 2003. He has played on the Asian Tour since 2003 and has won thrice: the 2004 Carlsberg Masters Vietnam, the 2008 Philippine Open and the 2010 Worldwide Holdings Selangor Masters.
Joost Luiten |
Phil Allen |
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Country: | Netherlands | :Country | |
Turned Professional: | 2006 | Holland | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 7 | :Years Coaching |
Captured European Tour title number four at the ISPS Handa Wales Open.
Thrilled the home crowds by winning the KLM Open in 2013, beating Miguel Angel Jiménez in a play-off to become the first home winner of the Dutch Open in ten years.
Was his second title of the season, following victory in the Lyoness Open powered by Greenfinity, where he held off a charging Thomas Bjørn on the final day to double his tally, 19 months after making his breakthrough in the 2011 Iskandar Johor Open.
After that maiden triumph he travelled straight to China – where his parents were waiting to celebrate the victory with him – to represent the Netherlands alongside Robert-Jan Derksen in the Mission Hills World Cup.
Started golf as a nine year old when his uncle took him to a driving range in Rotterdam.
David Hearn |
Ralph Bauer |
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Country: | Canada | :Country | |
Turned Professional: | 2001 | Canada | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 2 | :Years Coaching |
Hearn has four career holes-in-one in competitive rounds, with all coming on the Web.com Tour (2007 Movistar Panama Championship, 2007 Albertsons Boise Open and 2010 Panama Claro Championship) and one on the PGA TOUR at the 2015 year’s FedEx St. Jude Classic.
Earned his degree at the University of Wyoming in the spring of 2008 after completing the last of three required courses.
Wu Ashun |
Joe Thiel |
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Country: | China | :Country | |
Turned Professional: | 2007 | America | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 3 | :Years Coaching |
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Nino Bertasio |
David Leadbetter |
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Country: | Italy | South Africa | :Country |
Turned Professional: | :PGA of | ||
Tournament Wins: | :Years Coaching |
Popularity in native Colombia caused Colombian TV to pick up PGA TOUR golf broadcasts which ran 2006-11.
In 2005, started using a low-to-the-ground crouching method to better read putts.
Among his charitable efforts was taking part in “Caddy for a Cure” at the 2009 Deutsche Bank Championship and the 2010 RBC Heritage.
4 PGA Tour Victories:
– 2014 Wyndham Championship
– 2010 The Honda Classic
– 2008 BMW Championship
– 2008 THE TOUR Championship presented by Coca-Cola.
Thorbjorn Olesen |
Lars Nysøe |
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Country: | Denmark | :Country | |
Turned Professional: | 2008 | Denmark | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 8 | :Years Coaching |
The young Dane showed steely determination to win the 2015 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, carding a final round one under par 71 at St Andrews to triumph by two strokes.
It was the perfect comeback after a testing year, during which he had surgery on his wrist and struggled to rediscover the sort of form that had earned him a reputation as one of the most exciting young players in the world.
Made his debut in the Seve Trophy in 2013, helping Continental Europe to a first victory in seven attempts, and claimed his second European Tour title at the ISPS HANDA Perth International in late 2014.
Lives in London and spends time practising in Dubai. Formerly known as Jacob, but changed to use his middle name Thorbjørn as it is far less common.
Nicolas Colsaerts |
Michel Vanmeerbeek |
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Country: | Belgium | Belgium | :Country |
Turned Professional: | 2000 | Belgium | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 9 | 28 | :Years Coaching |
Michel Vanmeerbeek (PGA of Belgium) has been working with Nicolas Colsaerts since 1990 when Colsaerts was 8 years old. Known today as a swing engineer, Vanmeerbeek developed his skills by visiting the best swing experts in the USA and in Europe and was also been coach of the Belgian National Golf Teams from 2002 to 2006, and is also the Olympic Coach for the Belgian players heading to Rio 2016.
Colsaerts has two European Tour wins under his belt and has represented Europe in both the Seve Trophy and the Ryder Cup, notably playing his part in the ‘Miracle at Medinah’ in 2012. The Colsaerts family have close Olympic ties as Nicolas’ grandfather represented Belgium in the Olympic Games as well.
“I have a Grandfather who attended 3 Olympic Games – So it’s in our family genes, that means it’s very important and special to me.
“Michel is a thinker in sport, he’s not only an engineer of the golf swing, he‘s also capable of coaching any athlete in any sport, and that’s remarkable.” Nicolas Colsaerts
“To perform well, an athlete needs to feel that he’s strong and well prepared. So, we will focus on his strengths: ball striking, driving, long irons.” Michel Vanmeerbeek
Nicolas and Michel answer the Olympic Coach Q&A to explain more about their working relationship and how they are approaching Rio 2016 with their training and pre-tournament preparations.
Cheng Tsung Pan |
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Country: | Chinese Taipei |
Turned Professional: | 2015 |
Tournament Wins: | 2 |
Cheng Tsung Pan is a Taiwanese professional golfer. Pan played college golf at the University of Washington where he won eight events. He was the number one amateur golfer in the World Amateur Golf Ranking for eight weeks in 2013. Pan also won two gold medals in golf – one individually and one for team play – at the 2014 Asian Games.
Pan was one of two local golfers to make the cut at the 2015 U.S. Open. He finished tied for 64th in the tournament. Pan earned his first professional win on 12 July 2015 at The Players Cup on the PGA Tour Canada, his second tournament on the tour and fourth tournament as a pro.
Rodolfo Cazaubon |
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Country: | Mexico |
Turned Professional: | 2013 |
Tournament Wins: | 3 |
His father, Rodolfo, played professional golf for 10 years before three herniated disks forced him to retire in 1994. Mr. Cazaubón’s career featured three wins in Mexico and tournament play in South Africa, Asia, Canada and South America…
Affiliated to the Club Campestre de Tampico… His father and José María Sánchez have been his instructors. Twitter / Instagram: @rodocazaubon.
Danny Willett |
Graham Walker |
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Country: | Great Britain | United Kingdom | :Country |
Turned Professional: | 2009 | Great Britain & Ireland | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 4 | :Years Coaching |
Enjoyed the finest moment of his career when he won the Masters in 2016, a week after the birth of his son, Zachariah. Produced an impressively gutsy finish at Augusta National to take advantage of Jordan Spieth’s late collapse and become the first Englishman to don the Green Jacket for 20 years.
Emerged as a world-beater in 2015, when he won the first tournament of the season, the lucrative Nedbank Golf Challenge, and pushed Rory McIlroy all the way in the Race to Dubai after also winning the Omega European Masters in August, holding off fellow Yorkshireman Matt Fitzpatrick in Switzerland.
Carried his best form into 2016 to claim the Omega Dubai Desert Classic in February, holing a brilliant birdie putt on the last to triumph by one, and soon after took third place in the WGC-Cadillac Championship to hint at what was to come at the Masters a month later. Made his European Tour breakthrough at the 2012 BMW International Open, where he beat Marcus Fraser in a play-off at Golf Club Gut Lärchenhof in Cologne, Germany.
Earned his 2009 playing rights after cruising through all three stages of the Qualifying School. Currently coached by Graham Walker, who was previously named in Golf Monthly’s Top 25 Coaches.
Rickie Fowler |
Butch Harmon |
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Country: | USA | America | :Country |
Turned Professional: | 2009 | America | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 6 | :Years Coaching |
Gave up serious dirt-bike riding after an accident prior to his freshman year in high school resulted in a couple of broken bones in his foot. His father, Rod, who owns a trucking company, enjoyed riding dirt bikes and won the 1986 Baja 1000 while racing for a Yamaha team.
His middle name comes from his grandfather, Taka Tanaka. His younger sister, Taylor, attends Cal State-Fullerton, where she is on the golf team.
Felipe Aguilar |
Luke Ringrose |
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Country: | Chile | :Country | |
Turned Professional: | 1999 | Great Britain & Ireland | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 7 | :Years Coaching |
Made 14 cuts from 24 appearances in a steady 2015 season. Won his second European Tour title in spectacular fashion in the Championship at Laguna National in May 2014. The victory came six years after his maiden win, at the 2008 Enjoy Jakarta Astro Indonesia Open.
Having been introduced to the game by his grandfather, Alfredo Schuler, who built a number of golf courses in Chile after emigrating from Germany, Aguilar won more than 30 events in Chile early in his professional career.
Educated at the University of North Florida where he studied International Business. Elected as a member of the European Tour Tournament Committee in 2012.
Adilson da Silva |
John Dickson |
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Country: | Brazil | South Africa | :Country |
Turned Professional: | 1994 | South Africa | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 42 | 19 | :Years Coaching |
Dickson has worked with Da Silva since the 2005/05 season and met through a mutual psychologist friend who suggested they work together.
“I want Adilson to play shot for shot and try and enjoy the fact he is in his country of birth. Grab the whole experience with both hands and feet and treasure every minute.” John Dickson
Ryan Fox |
Marcus Wheelhouse |
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Country: | New Zealand | :Country | |
Turned Professional: | 2012 | New Zealand | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 3 | :Years Coaching |
Five starts on the European Tour in 2015/16, including a 10th-place finish at the Madeira Islands Open in August, thanks to final-round, seven-under 65.
3 International Victories:
– 2014: John Hughes Nexus Risk Services WA Open Championship.
– 2015: Le Vaudreuil Golf Challenge, Coco-Cola Queensland PGA Championhip.
Scott Hend |
Benoît Ducoulombier |
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Country: | Australia | :Country | |
Turned Professional: | 2010 | France | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 3 | :Years Coaching |
An emotional win at the Turkish Airlines Open in November was the highlight of the 2015 campaign. Birdied three of the last four holes in the final round for a six under par 66 and a one stroke victory over Jaco Van Zyl – his second in the event after claiming his maiden title in Turkey two years earlier. Broke down in tears in the arms of his coach on the 18th green, later explaining that the win helped banish the frustrations of a season plagued by personal problems.
The year before, he arrived as a superstar after his epic battle with Australian Jason Day in the final of the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship. With the match all square after 18 holes, the Frenchman conjured some seemingly impossible shots from the desert to keep the match alive, but eventually lost on the 23rd hole. That helped earn him a place in the European Ryder Cup team, and he made a brilliant debut at Gleneagles, forming a strong partnership with Graeme McDowell and winning two and a half points from three.
Started playing golf aged 12 when he watched Woods win the 2002 Masters Tournament and decided he wanted to become a professional. Won the European Individual Amateur Championship in 2009, the year he made it to number one in the World Amateur Rankings.
Jeunghun Wang |
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Country: | South Korea |
Turned Professional: | 2006 |
Tournament Wins: | 15 |
Kim is a South Korean Professional on the PGA Tour. His father, Ki-Chang Kim, is a teaching pro, who got him started in the game at age 10.
Espen Kofstad |
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Country: | Norway |
Turned Professional: | 2003 |
Tournament Wins: | 1 |
De Jonge played on the Nationwide Tour from 2004 to 2006 and 2008. He earned his 2007 PGA Tour card at Q-school. He finished 155th on the money list in 2007, losing his tour card.
In 2008 he finished second on the Nationwide Tour money list and earned his 2009 PGA Tour card. He did this by winning the Xerox Classic and recording a runner up finish and three third place finishes. He won the 2008 Nationwide Tour Player of the Year.
Roope Kakko |
Mikael Piltz |
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Country: | Finland | :Country | |
Turned Professional: | 2004 | Finland | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 3 | :Years Coaching |
Captured his maiden title in stunning style at the 2015 Madeira Islands Open – BPI – Portugal, which had been rescheduled for July after bad weather forced the cancellation of the original date.
Did not have full European Tour playing rights until the Madeira win, but the victory ensured exemption on the Race to Dubai for the rest of 2015 and all of 2016.
Picked up a club when he was five years old after being introduced to the game by his father, who was a PE teacher. Also played ice hockey and football as a youngster but took up golf more seriously when he was 16. Wife Minea plays on the LPGA Tour and was on his bag at the Qualifying School.
Jaco Van Zyl |
Derek James |
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Country: | South Africa | South Africa | :Country |
Turned Professional: | 2001 | South Africa | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 13 | :Years Coaching |
Earned a debut in the Open Championship in 2015 thanks to a fine performance in the Alstom Open de France a fortnight earlier.
Came agonisingly close to his first European Tour title at the Turkish Airlines Open in November 2015, carding a five under par 67 in the final round only to be beaten by one shot by a surging Victor Dubuisson.
The success of the season, however, helped banish the frustrations of an injury-plagued 2014, which he spent recovering from surgery on both knees.
Played mostly on the Sunshine Tour until he earned a European Tour card at the Qualifying School in 2010. Started playing the game as an 11 year old and turned professional at 21. Has won 13 Sunshine Tour titles, including four in 2010. Was the South African Amateur Champion in 2000.
Gavin Green |
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Country: | Malaysia |
Turned Professional: | 2015 |
Tournament Wins: | 3 |
Gavin became the first amateur to win on the Asian Development Tour following his victory in 2014. He has enjoyed an illustrious amateur career prior to turning professional and was formerly ranked 12th on the world amateur rankings.
Danny Chia |
Steven Giuliano |
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Country: | Malaysia | :Country | |
Turned Professional: | 1996 | Australia | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 18 | :Years Coaching |
Danny picked up golf from his father, a businessman, when he started following him to the driving range and grew up adoring Jack Nicklaus. He enjoyed a fine amateur career, winning Malaysia’s amateur championship for three straight years before joining the pro ranks.
Danny is a history-maker for Malaysia. In 2010, he became the first player from his country to play in all four rounds at the British Open at St Andrews, which he also qualified for in 2005 and 2008. He is also the first Malaysian to win on the Asian Tour with victory at the 2002 Taiwan Open where he came from seven shots back to triumph.
Qualified on merit to represent Team Asia in the 2016 EurAsia Cup presented by DRB-HICOM where he contributed half points in the Fourball and Foursomes with Nicholas Fung.
Jhonattan Vegas |
Kevin Kirk |
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Country: | Venezuela | :Country | |
Turned Professional: | 2008 | America | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 4 | :Years Coaching |
Knew very little English when he initially arrived in the United States. Picked up the game by playing with a broomstick and a rock. Eventually began playing at a nine-hole course near his home built for oil-camp employees.
His coach, Franci Betancourt, was a a three-time World Cup participant for Venezuela, in 1966, 1968 and 1975. In August 2002, moved to Texas and lived with Betancourt and his wife, Alba, a time he saw both his golf game and his English improve dramatically.
Li Hao Tong |
Michael Dickie |
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Country: | China | Scotland | :Country |
Turned Professional: | Great Britain & Ireland | :PGA of | |
Tournament Wins: | 1 | :Years Coaching |
The 36 year old, who has a consultant coaching role to both China’s amateur and professional teams, is in pole position to lead them to the Olympics in Rio next year given that he has coached two of the four players currently in contention – Li Hao Tong and Lin Xi Yu.
Has Tong announced his name on the European Tour in swashbuckling style as he claimed a maiden victory on home soil at the Volvo China Open, courtesy of a flawless eight under par final round 64.
In 2014 he won three times on the PGA Tour China to earn status on the Web.com Tour for the following year, before earning full status for the European Tour in 2016 courtesy of his victory in Beijing.
SSP Chawrasia |
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Country: | India |
Turned Professional: | 1997 |
Tournament Wins: | 13 |
Created European Tour history in 2008 by becoming the first player to win on his maiden appearance as an Affiliate Member when he triumphed on home soil at the inaugural EMAAR-MGF Indian Masters at Delhi Golf Club.
Added a second European Tour victory in the 2011 Avantha Masters, where he capitalised on Robert Coles’ poor finish to win by one, and notched win number three at the 2016 Hero Indian Open at Delhi Golf Club a year after he lost out to compatriot Anirban Lahiri in a play-off for the title. After turning professional in 1997, he plied his trade on the Indian circuit until he was persuaded by his fellow professionals to join the Asian Tour.
Aged ten, he used to practise by sneaking onto Calcutta Golf Club – believed to be the oldest outside Britain. He subsequently became a caddie, before embarking on a career which now sees him divide his time between Europe and Asia. His initials stand for Shiv Sankar Prasad, although he is known to everyone simply as SSP.
Miguel Tabuena |
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Country: | Philippines |
Turned Professional: | 2011 |
Tournament Wins: | 9 |
Miguel became the first Filipino since 2008 to win his National Open when he won the Philippines Open presented by ICTSI in 2015.
It was sweet revenge for Miguel as he agonisingly missed out on a first Asian Tour win at the 2014 Yeangder Tournament Players Championship in Chinese Taipei when he was defeated by Prom Meesawat on the second play-off hole.
In 2013, Miguel’s best placing was a tied sixth result at the Solaire Open on home soil. The teenager finished in the top-40 of the 2011 Asian Tour Qualifying Final Stage in Thailand as an amateur and subsequently turned professional in February. The highly rated teenager was also a silver medalist winner in the Asian Games in Guangzhou, China in 2010. Due to his playing schedule, Miguel is home-schooled.
Shingo Katayama |
George Pinnell |
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Country: | Japan | :Country | |
Turned Professional: | 1995 | America | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 29 | :Years Coaching |
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Integer elementum et quam non luctus. Ut tincidunt ultrices ante non rhoncus. Vivamus mauris quam, congue vel urna sit amet, condimentum tempor lacus. Curabitur malesuada odio vel mauris laoreet, vel facilisis massa efficitur.
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Brandon Stone |
Denis Pugh |
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Country: | South Africa | United Kingdom | :Country |
Turned Professional: | 2004 | Great Britain & Ireland | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 5 | :Years Coaching |
One of the most consistent performers on the European Tour, he was tied for the lead going into the final round of the 2015 BMW PGA Championship, but had to settle for fifth after closing with a 74.
Won the 2012 Open de España and that summer finished second in the Alstom Open de France and the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open in consecutive weeks.
Was also part of the European Ryder Cup team that year, claiming a half point in the final singles match against Tiger Woods to give Europe a thrilling 14½-13½ victory. His most lucrative season came in 2010, when he won the WGC-HSBC Champions to finish fifth in the Race to Dubai, and he also made his Ryder Cup debut that year, alongside brother Edoardo.
The younger by nearly two years, Francesco upstaged the exploits of his elder sibling at Castello di Tolcinasco G&CC in Milan in early May 2006, just nine months after Edoardo became the first Italian winner of the U.S. Amateur Championship at Merion.
Anirban Lahiri |
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Country: | India |
Turned Professional: | 2007 |
Tournament Wins: | 18 |
Came into the form of his life in early 2015, when he claimed his first two European Tour titles within a fortnight. First held off a strong field that included Lee Westwood and Bernd Wiesberger to win the Maybank Malaysian Open, helped by a stunning ten under par 62 in the third round. Then captured the Hero Indian Open on home soil, beating compatriot SSP Chawrasia in a play-off and rising to 34th in the Official Golf World Ranking.
Became the first Indian to finish in the top five at a Major when he took a share of fifth place in the 2015 US PGA Championship at Whistling Straits in August, and made his Presidents Cup debut a couple of months later.
Won five times on the Asian Tour before his successes in Malaysia and India, which were co-sanctioned. Finished top of the Asian Tour Order of Merit in 2015.
Enjoyed a successful amateur career in which he was crowned national champion in 2006 and 2007. Was introduced to the game by his father – a doctor in the army – and was hooked after taking part in a junior competition aged 12.
Siddikur Rahman |
Shane Gillespie |
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Country: | Bangladesh | :Country | |
Turned Professional: | 2005 | America | :PGA of |
Tournament Wins: | 8 | :Years Coaching |
In 2015, Siddikur came close to lifting a third title at the Queen’s Cup and Panasonic Open India where he finished tied-third and second respectively. A back injury also slowed him down during the year. He enjoyed his biggest career victory when he won the 2013 Hero Indian Open at his favourite golf course, the Delhi Golf Club and notched seven other top-10s.
He was also the first Bangladeshi to represent his country at the ISPS Handa World Cup of Golf in Australia and earned his place to represent Team Asia at the inaugural EurAsia Cup present by DRB-HICOM when he finished in fourth place on the Order of Merit, the third time in four seasons that he has finished top-10 on the rankings.
He wrote a slice of history in 2010 when he became the first player from Bangladesh to win on the Asian Tour. He triumphed in the Brunei Open, beating Jbe Kruger of South Africa in a play-off. It was a memorable victory as he was hailed a golfing hero back home.
Siddikur worked as a ball boy at Kurmitola Golf Club in Bangladesh to support his studies. He made his first club with a broken seven iron head stuck on a metal rod. Was picked from out of 100 kids to train by his club and represented his country in the Asian Games. He is currently attached to Kurmitola Golf Club as an honorary member..
Ricardo Gouveia |
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Country: | Portugal |
Turned Professional: | 2014 |
Tournament Wins: | 3 |
Set records tumbling in his rookie season on the European Challenge Tour, topping the Road to Oman Rankings following an enthralling battle with Frenchman Sebastien Gros.
Claimed his third career title and second of 2015 at the NBO Golf Classic Grand Final to take his total to €251,592, beating the record Edoardo Molinari set in 2009 for earnings in a season.
Climbed to 84th position in the Official World Golf Ranking following his victory at the season-ender to tie Molinari’s record as highest-ranked Challenge Tour player in history, having already become the highest-ranked Portuguese player of all time earlier in the season.
A family man, Gouveia’s father, Tómas, was his caddie for his Oman victory and at various times during that season. Born in Lisbon and grew up in the Algarve, but moved to London straight after securing graduation to the European Tour to join his girlfriend, who studies there.
Wen-Tang Lin |
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Country: | Chinese Taipei |
Turned Professional: | 1996 |
Tournament Wins: | 10 |
A regular on the Asian Tour, he secured his first European Tour victory in dramatic fashion at the 2009 UBS Hong Kong Open, defeating Rory McIlroy and Francesco Molinari in a thrilling play-off. In doing so, he became the first Asian in a decade to win the tournament and subsequently took up European Tour Membership. Has won a title on the Asian Tour in each season between 2006 and 2009.
His father Lin Chia was one of Chinese Taipei’s top professional golfers, while his two brothers are also regulars on the Asian Tour.
e: | info@cpg.golf |
t: | +44(0)20 71 83 59 83 |
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