Davis Love III Bio
Davis Milton Love III (born April 13, 1964) is an American professional golfer who has won 21 events on the PGA Tour, including one major championship: the 1997 PGA Championship. He won the Players Championship in 1992 and 2003. He was in the top 10 of the Official World Golf Ranking for over 450 weeks, reaching a high ranking of 2nd. He captained the U.S. Ryder Cup teams in 2012 and 2016. Love was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2017.
Early Life and Background
Davis Milton Love III was born on April 13, 1964, in Charlotte, North Carolina, to Davis Love Jr. and his wife, Helen Love. His father was a former professional golfer and a nationally recognized golf instructor who introduced him to the game. His mother is also an avid low-handicap golfer. Tragically, his father was killed in a plane crash in 1988. Love attended high school in Brunswick, Georgia, and graduated from Glynn Academy in 1982.
Path to Golf
Love played college golf at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, where he was a three-time All-American and all-Atlantic Coast Conference player. He won six titles during his collegiate career, including the ACC tournament championship as a sophomore in 1984. In 1985, Love turned professional and earned his PGA Tour card at the 1985 PGA Tour Qualifying School. He quickly established himself on the PGA Tour, winning his first tour event in 1987 at the MCI Heritage Golf Classic at Harbour Town Golf Links. He would later win this event four more times, setting a record for the most victories in the tournament.
Davis Love III Career
Early Career (1985-1990)
In 1994, Love founded Love Golf Design, a golf course architecture company with his younger brother and caddie, Mark Love. The company has designed several courses throughout the southeastern United States. Love was a consistent contender and winner on the PGA Tour in the 1990s and early 2000s, but the most memorable win came at the 1997 PGA Championship, which was his only major championship victory. The tournament was played at Winged Foot Golf Club near New York City, where Love’s winning score was 11-under-par, five strokes better than runner-up Justin Leonard. This victory was notable as it was the last major championship win achieved with a wooden-headed driver.
Breakthrough (1991-2000)
Love’s success continued into the 2000s, with a significant milestone occurring on November 9, 2008, when he earned his 20th PGA Tour win at the Children’s Miracle Network Classic, granting him a lifetime exemption on Tour.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Love has achieved numerous accolades, including the World Golf Hall of Fame induction in 2017, the Payne Stewart Award in 2008, and the Bob Jones Award in 2013. He has also been recognized for his contributions to golf course design and has been a prominent figure in the sport for decades.
Davis Love III Award Nominations
Davis Love III has received several nominations throughout his career, reflecting his impact and contributions to the sport of golf.
Davis Love III Awards Won
Davis Love III has won multiple prestigious awards during his career, including the World Golf Hall of Fame induction in 2017, the Payne Stewart Award in 2008, and the Bob Jones Award in 2013.
Davis Love III Family
Davis Love III is married to Robin Love, and they have two children: a daughter named Alexia and a son named Davis IV.
Personal Life
On March 27, 2020, Love’s home in St. Simons Island, Georgia, was destroyed in a fire, but he and his wife escaped without injury. Love is known to be politically active and has donated to various Republican candidates.
