Born in Ft. Worth, Texas, Brian picked up the game of golf from his father, a scratch player for the All-Army Team. He longed for the day to play like his father. Unfortunately, Brian was not able to play golf on the military courses because of base age restrictions. At times, his father would take him out and let him hit balls once they were on the course. At the age of 10, the family was relocated to Fort Rucker, AL, where Brian discovered that the age restriction to play golf was 8!
Brian’s first words were, “We should have been here two years ago!”
That summer Brian’s mom dropped him off at the course on her way to work and picked him up on her way home. He spent his entire summer days hitting balls and practicing, waiting for the moment that someone would ask him to play. That day finally came and it was truly the start of his career. Nothing could stop him from playing in everything his family could get him in. He lived and breathed golf even more than before and always said that he was going to play golf as a professional.
Brian played golf on the Daleville High School golf team when he was in the 7th grade and continued to play high school golf until graduation. During summers, he competed in PGA events, USGA events and other notable men amateur events. His tireless efforts afforded him the opportunity to be offered a college scholarship to the University of Florida.
Brian arguably became the most decorated player in the University of Florida history, racking up two SEC individual titles; an SEC Freshman of the Year Award; four SEC Team Championships, two-time NCAA All-American; all to go with an NCAA team championship and NCAA East Regional Champion, all in 1993. He also racked up individual awards of two collegiate champion titles; and two MVP UF Awards; and a US Amateur Medalist title. Brian’s accomplishments at the University of Florida places him as the third in UF school history with his five career wins. His success also took him to the heights of becoming a member of the 1993 US Walker Cup Team.
Brian turned professional in 1994 after his four years at the University of Florida playing several different mini tours including Golden Bear, Hooters and Nike events. In 1997 he joined the Asian Tour only to successfully obtain his PGA Tour card in 1999.
Brian is known on the PGA Tour for his masterful short game. Brian’s first victory came after many years of hard work and 293 starts at the 2008 Mayakoba Classic. Brian pressed forward on the final day of the 2009 Verizon Heritage and won his second title by 10 strokes, once again leaving a mark in history and adding his name among five other players ever to win a title by double digits. The Verizon Heritage win also got him an invitation to the Masters, another lifelong dream. In June 2009, he repeated his performance and became the winner of the 2009 St Jude Classic, winning by five strokes.
Brian completed the 2009 PGA FedEx point standings in 21st place and is currently ranked 13th on the PGA Tour Money List.
Brian is active in many local charity events throughout the year, giving of his time and donating memorabilia to aid in their success. He is also a Gold Sponsor to the Bridges of Light and a contributor to the Golf for Wounded Warriors Project Tournament.
Brian has also been selected for induction into the University of Florida Athletic Hall of Fame which will be in April 2010.
www.vydox.com
No comments:
Post a Comment