The Golfing Career of Fred Couples
Fred Couples is a professional golfer that began his career in 1980 after spending three years at the University of Houston. After struggling during his first few years on the PGA Tour, Couples finally found success by winning the 1983 Kemper Open. This was the start of an extremely impressive career for one of the most likable guys to ever step on a golf course.
Less than a year after getting his first tour victory, Fred Couples won one of the biggest events of his long career. A great showing at the 1984 Tournament Players Championship helped Couples narrowly defeat Lee Trevino for the title.
This is widely considered to be the fifth most prestigious event of the season, so it was a huge win for a young player. Couples looked poised to dominate the tour after this big victory, but he did not return to winner’s circle for over three years. It took three more years for Couples to win his fourth tournament.
Couples did not turn into the dominant force everyone expected him to be until 1991. He won the Federal Express St. Jude Classic and B.C. Open that year. He also narrowly missed out on victories at the US Open and British Open. The strong season earned him the PGA Player of the Year Award. Couples easily topped this excellent season in every way in 1992.
It only took Fred four months to win three PGA Tour events in 1992. The biggest victory came at the Augusta National Golf Club where Couples took home the green jacket at The Masters. This was Couples’ first and only major victory of his successful career. The win at The Masters propelled Couples to the top of the World Golf Rankings. He was the first person born in the United States to achieve this feat.
Fred Couples won his 15th and final PGA Tour event at the 2003 Shell Houston Open. He continued to play on the tour for seven more seasons, but injuries derailed his ability to hit long drives off the tee.
Couples transitioned to PGA Tour Champions after turning 50. He’s currently won a total of 13 events on the senior tour. Fred Couples’ excellent contributions to the game of golf will be remembered forever thanks to his 2013 Hall of Fame induction.
As of today, Couples is starting to wind down his golfing career. Chronic back ailments are preventing him from playing at the same pace a decade ago. Regardless, Couples assures the public that he will play as long as he can.