Frederick Funk Bio
Frederick Funk (born June 14, 1956) is an American professional golfer. He currently plays on the PGA Tour Champions. He previously played on the PGA Tour, where he was an eight-time winner. Funk’s signature win came at The Players Championship in 2005.
Early Life and Background
Frederick Funk was born in Takoma Park, Maryland. He was exposed to various sports during his youth and even boxed for eight years at a junior boys club. Funk played on the golf team at High Point High School in Beltsville, Maryland, where he began to develop his skills in the sport.
Path to Golf
Funk attended the University of Maryland but was cut from the golf team in 1975. He then transferred to Prince George’s Community College before returning to the University of Maryland two years later, where he earned a top spot on the Terrapins golf team. During this time, he also worked as a circulation supervisor for the Washington Star. He graduated from the University of Maryland in 1980 with a degree in law enforcement, which reflects his early commitment to both education and golf.
Frederick Funk Career
Early Career (1981-1989)
Funk turned professional in 1981 and began his career as the golf coach for the University of Maryland from 1982 to 1988. He played in several PGA Tour events starting in 1982 but struggled to find success initially. In 1989, he became a full member of the PGA Tour, participating in 29 official tournaments that year. His biggest paycheck during this period was $12,500 for a tie for ninth place in the Chattanooga Classic.
Breakthrough (1992-2005)
Funk achieved his first significant success in 1992, capturing his first PGA Tour win at the Shell Houston Open with a score of 16-under par, earning $216,000. He continued to build on this success with additional wins, including the Ideon Classic and the Buick Challenge in 1995. His career-defining moment came in 2005 when he won The Players Championship, becoming the oldest winner of the event at 48 years, 9 months, and 14 days. This victory earned him $1.44 million and solidified his status in the golfing world.
Notable Works and Milestones
Frederick Funk has a total of 29 professional wins, including eight on the PGA Tour and nine on the PGA Tour Champions. His notable achievements include participation in the United States teams at the 2003 and 2005 Presidents Cup and the 2004 Ryder Cup.
Frederick Funk Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Frederick Funk has been recognized for his contributions to the sport of golf, although specific award nominations are not documented.
Frederick Funk Awards Won
Frederick Funk has won several prestigious awards, including eight PGA Tour events and nine on the PGA Tour Champions. His most significant win was at The Players Championship in 2005.
Frederick Funk Family
Frederick Funk is married to Sharon Funk, and they have two children together. He also has a son from a previous marriage. His son, Taylor Christian, played golf for Ponte Vedra High School and turned professional in 2017.
Personal Life
Frederick Funk has been married twice. He was first married in the 1980s and has a son named Eric Justin, born in 1991. After his first marriage ended in divorce in 1992, he married Sharon in 1994. Sharon is the daughter of Texan congressman Bill Archer. Funk’s family has been supportive of his golfing career, and he remains a popular figure on the tour, known for his engaging personality and dedication to the sport.