Fred Couples Bio
Frederick Steven Couples (born October 3, 1959) is an American professional golfer who has competed on the PGA Tour and the PGA Tour Champions. A former World No. 1, he has won 64 professional tournaments, most notably the Masters Tournament in 1992 and the Players Championship in 1984 and 1996. Couples became the oldest person to make the cut in the Masters Tournament history during the 2023 Tournament at 63 years, six months, and five days. In August 2011, Couples won his first senior major at the Senior Players Championship and followed this up in July 2012 when he won the Senior Open Championship. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2013. Couples garnered the nickname “Boom Boom” for his long, accurate driving ability off the tee during the prime of his career.
Early Life and Background
Frederick Steven Couples was born in Seattle, Washington, to Tom and Violet Couples. His paternal grandparents immigrated from Italy and changed the family name from “Coppola” to “Couples” to make it sound less ethnic. His mother was of Croatian descent. Couples’ father worked as a groundskeeper for the Seattle Parks Department, and the family lived in a modest house on Beacon Hill near Jefferson Park golf course, where Couples developed his signature loose, rhythmic swing. He admitted to being self-taught, never taking a lesson or hiring a swing coach. Couples attended O’Dea High School in Seattle and graduated in 1977.
Path to Golf
In 1977, Couples accepted a golf scholarship to the University of Houston. As a member of the Houston Cougars men’s golf team, he roomed with future PGA Tour player Blaine McCallister and CBS broadcaster Jim Nantz. As a 19-year-old amateur, Couples beat PGA Tour veteran Don Bies in a playoff to win the 1978 Washington Open. Couples turned professional in 1980, marking the beginning of a successful career in golf.
Fred Couples Career
Early Career (1980-1983)
Couples’ first notable work on the PGA Tour came at the Kemper Open in 1983, where he achieved his first victory. He played in the final group alongside Scott Simpson and Chen Tze-chung, finishing tied for first after a challenging day on the course. Couples secured the win with a birdie on the second playoff hole. In addition to this victory, he won another fourteen PGA Tour titles, including two Players Championships and one major victory at the 1992 Masters Tournament.
Breakthrough (1991-1992)
Couples’ breakthrough moment came in 1992 when he became the first American player to reach the number one position in the Official World Golf Rankings. He spent 16 weeks at number one after a stellar start to the season, winning multiple tournaments leading up to the Masters. At Augusta, Couples showcased his skill by shooting in the 60s in each of the first three rounds, ultimately winning his first major title. This victory pushed Couples past the $1 million mark in earnings for the season, a significant milestone in his career.
Notable Works and Milestones
Couples is known for his signature work at the Masters Tournament, where he won in 1992. He has received numerous accolades, including being named the PGA Tour Player of the Year in 1991 and 1992, and winning the Vardon Trophy for lowest scoring average in those years.
Fred Couples Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Fred Couples has received multiple nominations for prestigious awards, recognizing his exceptional performance and contributions to the sport of golf.
Fred Couples Awards Won
Fred Couples has won several notable awards, including his induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2013 and being named PGA Tour Player of the Year in 1991 and 1992.
Fred Couples Family
Fred Couples is married to Suzanne Hannemann, whom he wed on February 22, 2022. He was previously married to Deborah, with whom he had a tumultuous relationship that ended in divorce in 1993. His second marriage to Thais Baker ended with her passing in 2009.
Personal Life
Couples currently resides in Newport Beach, California. He is known for his love of sports and is a member of the Seattle Seahawks’ 12th Man. He has raised the 12th Man flag at a Seahawks game and is friends with basketball legend Michael Jordan, who served as an assistant coach during Couples’ time leading the Presidents Cup team in 2011.
