Mark Hensby Bio
Mark Adam Hensby (born 29 June 1971) is an Australian professional golfer who currently plays on the PGA Tour Champions. His sole victory on the PGA Tour came at the 2004 John Deere Classic. Hensby has had a diverse career, competing on various tours and achieving notable success in major championships. He is known for his resilience and determination, having overcome significant challenges throughout his professional journey.
Early Life and Background
Mark Adam Hensby was born in Melbourne, Australia, and grew up in Tamworth, New South Wales. He has two brothers, Darren and Jason. Hensby first picked up a golf club at the age of 12 and quickly developed his skills, reaching a handicap of 3 within two years. His early exposure to the sport laid the foundation for his future career in golf. Hensby attended Tamworth High School but left at the age of 16 to work as a postman, dedicating his free time to golf.
Path to Golf
In 1994, Hensby made a significant move to the United States, where he initially faced hardships, including sleeping in his car at the Cog Hill Golf & Country Club. Despite these challenges, he won the Illinois State Amateur Championship that same year, marking the beginning of his competitive journey in golf. Hensby turned professional later in 1994 and spent several years on the PGA Tour’s developmental tour before graduating to the PGA Tour in 2001.
Mark Hensby Career
Early Career (1995-2000)
Hensby began his professional career in 1995, competing primarily on the developmental tours. He achieved his first notable success in 2000, finishing second on the Buy.com Tour money list, which earned him a spot on the PGA Tour for the 2001 season. However, his rookie year was challenging, and he lost his card after failing to earn enough money. He returned to the Nationwide Tour in 2002 and secured his card again in 2003 with a successful season.
Breakthrough (2004-2005)
The year 2004 marked a turning point for Mark Hensby as he won the John Deere Classic in a thrilling sudden-death playoff against John E. Morgan. This victory established him on the PGA Tour and led to several top-10 finishes throughout the season. Hensby continued to excel in 2005, achieving impressive results in major championships, including a tied fifth finish at the Masters Tournament and a tied third finish at the U.S. Open. He also won the Scandinavian Masters on the European Tour, further solidifying his reputation as a skilled golfer.
Notable Works and Milestones
Hensby’s career highlights include his victory at the John Deere Classic and his participation in the 2005 Presidents Cup International team. He reached a career-high ranking of 27th in the Official World Golf Ranking during 2005, showcasing his talent and competitiveness on the global stage.
Mark Hensby Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Mark Hensby has been recognized for his achievements in golf, particularly during his breakthrough years in the mid-2000s. His performances in major championships and on various tours have contributed to his reputation as a notable player in the sport.
Mark Hensby Awards Won
Mark Hensby has won several tournaments throughout his career, including one victory on the PGA Tour and multiple wins on the European Tour and Nationwide Tour. His accomplishments reflect his dedication and skill as a professional golfer.
Mark Hensby Family
Mark Hensby is married to Kimberly Hensby. The couple has two children together. While details about his family life are not extensively publicized, it is known that Hensby values his family and maintains a supportive home environment.
Personal Life
Mark Hensby resides in Mesa, Arizona, in the United States. He has faced various challenges throughout his career, including injuries and a suspension from the PGA Tour in 2017 for violating the Tour’s anti-doping policy. Despite these setbacks, he has shown resilience and a commitment to his sport, continuing to compete at a high level on the PGA Tour Champions.