Fred Couples

Fred Couples: biography

Fred Couples is a retired American professional golfer who has had a successful career on the PGA Tour, winning 15 PGA Tour titles, including the 1992 Masters Tournament.

Couples' impact on the game of golf has been widely recognized and he is considered one of the greatest players of his generation. His relaxed demeanor on the course and his smooth swing have made him a fan favorite, and his charitable work off the course has earned him admiration from his peers.

Childhood and youth

Fred Couples was born on October 3, 1959 in Seattle, Washington. His father was a groundskeeper at a local golf course, which helped to foster his love for the game from a young age. Couples began playing golf when he was just seven years old, and by the time he was a teenager, he was already showing promise as a competitive golfer.

Couples attended O'Dea High School in Seattle, where he played on the school's golf team. He was a standout player, and his success on the high school circuit helped him to earn a scholarship to the University of Houston.

At Houston, Couples played under legendary coach Dave Williams, and he quickly emerged as one of the best players in college golf. He won the NCAA individual championship in 1980 and helped lead the Houston Cougars to team championships in 1979 and 1982.

Professional golf career

Fred Couples' golf career began when he turned professional in 1980. He quickly found success on the PGA Tour, winning his first tournament in 1983 at the Kemper Open. Over the course of his career, Couples won a total of 15 PGA Tour titles, including the 1992 Masters Tournament, which was his only major championship victory.

Couples was known for his smooth swing and his ability to hit long, accurate drives. He was also known for his laid-back demeanor and his ability to stay calm under pressure. These qualities made him a popular figure among fans and earned him the nickname "Boom Boom" for his powerful drives.

Couples was a regular contender in major championships throughout the 1980s and 1990s. He finished in the top 10 at the U.S. Open eight times, and he was a runner-up at the PGA Championship twice. His victory at the 1992 Masters Tournament was a career highlight, and he remained a competitive player on the PGA Tour well into his 40s.

In addition to his success on the PGA Tour, Couples was also a member of several US Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup teams. He was known for his strong play in team competitions, and he helped lead the US to victory in the 1992 Ryder Cup and the 1994 Presidents Cup.

After his playing career, Couples remained involved in the game of golf. He worked as a television analyst for golf broadcasts and became involved in golf course design. He also continued to play on the Champions Tour, where he won 13 titles, including two senior major championships.

Today, Couples is regarded as one of the greatest golfers of his generation. His smooth swing and effortless power inspired a generation of golfers, and his popularity among fans helped to grow the game of golf around the world. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2013 in recognition of his contributions to the sport.

Personal life

Fred Couples has been married three times, though he has no children.

His first marriage was to Deborah Couples, whom he married in 1981 and divorced in 1993.

Couples later met his second wife, Thais Baker, in 1997. Baker was a former model and the two were introduced by a mutual friend. The couple married in 1998 and had been together until Thais died from breast cancer in 2009.

Couples married his girlfriend Suzanne Hannemann on February 22, 2022.

Outside of golf, Couples is known for his love of music. He is an avid guitar player and has even played with some famous musicians, including Don Felder of The Eagles. He is also a fan of the Seattle Seahawks and can often be seen at their games.

Overall, Couples is a private person who has focused much of his life on his golf career. He has had his share of personal struggles, but he remains a beloved figure in the world of golf and a respected voice in the sport.

Awards

• Byron Nelson Award (1992)
• Vardon Trophy (1991)
• PGA Player of the Year (1991)
• Golf Digest Player of the Year (1991)
• Golf Writers Association of America Player of the Year (1991)
• Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from the University of Puget Sound (1992)
• Bob Jones Award (1998)
• Induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame (2013)
• Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Houston (2014)
• Payne Stewart Award (2017)