Stephen Ames Bio
Stephen Michael Ames (born April 28, 1964) is a professional golfer formerly of the PGA Tour, who now plays on the PGA Tour Champions. The biggest win of his career was at The Players Championship in 2006. He holds dual citizenship of Trinidad and Tobago and Canada.
Early Life and Background
Stephen Ames was born in San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago. He is of English and Portuguese descent, with much of his family residing in the Caribbean nation. His grandmother was a two-time champion in Trinidad and Tobago. Ames grew up on the Petrotrin employee compound in Pointe-à-Pierre and learned to play golf at the Pointe-à-Pierre Golf Club, which was the staff club of Petrotrin.
Ames’ golfing talent developed early in life, aided by the support and discipline from his father, Michael. At the age of 16, he made his Hoerman Cup debut in 1980, setting the course record at Sandy Lane, Barbados with a six-under-par total of 66.
Path to Golf
Ames won a golf scholarship at the College of Boca Raton in Florida and turned professional in 1987. However, he struggled to secure a PGA Tour card in the following years, partly due to a neck injury. His first professional tournament win in the United States came in 1991 at the Ben Hogan Pensacola Open on what was then the Ben Hogan Tour.
In 1992, Ames successfully qualified for the European Tour and spent five seasons there, consistently making the top 80 on the Order of Merit, with a best finish of 13th in 1996. He won the 1994 Open V33 Grand Lyon in France and the 1996 Benson & Hedges International Open in England.
Stephen Ames Career
Early Career (1987-1996)
After turning professional in 1987, Ames faced challenges in securing a place on the PGA Tour. His breakthrough came in 1991 with his first professional win. He continued to build his career on the European Tour, where he achieved notable success and recognition.
Breakthrough (2004-2006)
In 2004, Ames won his first PGA Tour event at the Cialis Western Open, defeating a field that included top players like Tiger Woods and Vijay Singh. This victory marked a turning point in his career, as he reached the top 20 in the Official World Golf Ranking later that year.
His most significant achievement came in March 2006 when he won The Players Championship at the TPC at Sawgrass. This victory was remarkable as he overcame a challenging field of 48 of the top 50 golfers in the world, including Woods, winning by a record-equaling six strokes. This win also allowed Ames to surpass the US$10 million career earnings barrier.
Notable Works and Milestones
Stephen Ames is known for his victory at The Players Championship in 2006, which is considered the pinnacle of his career. He has also been recognized for his contributions to golf, including the initiation of the Stephen Ames Cup, an international competition.
Stephen Ames Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Stephen Ames has received various nominations and accolades for his performances on the golf course, reflecting his status as a prominent figure in the sport.
Stephen Ames Awards Won
Ames has achieved significant recognition in his career, including the Chaconia Medal (Gold) in 2004 and his induction into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame in 2014.
| Award | Wins | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Chaconia Medal (Gold) | 1 | 2004 |
| Canadian Golf Hall of Fame | 1 | 2014 |
Stephen Ames Family
Stephen Ames was previously married to Jodi Ames, with whom he has two sons. He later married Kelly Norcott in 2018. Ames moved from Calgary to Vancouver in 2014 after separating from his first wife.
Personal Life
Ames became a Canadian citizen in 2003. He has maintained a presence in the golfing community through various charitable endeavors, including co-hosting an annual charity golf tournament for children.
