Willie Wood Bio
Willard West Wood Jr., known professionally as Willie Wood, is an American professional golfer whose career has spanned more than four decades across the PGA Tour, the Nationwide Tour, and the PGA Tour Champions. Born on October 1, 1960, in Kingsville, Texas, Wood developed into one of the most accomplished amateur golfers in the United States before turning professional in 1983. He captured the prestigious Haskins Award in 1982 and has compiled seven professional victories, including one PGA Tour title and two Champions Tour wins.
Standing 5 feet 7 inches tall, Wood has been recognized for his consistent ball-striking and competitive longevity. He currently resides in Edmond, Oklahoma, where he is a member of the “Oak Tree Gang,” a group of touring professionals who regularly play at Oak Tree National.
Early Life and Background
Willard West Wood Jr. was born on October 1, 1960, in Kingsville, Texas. Growing up in a family with a strong connection to golf, he was introduced to the game at a young age and quickly demonstrated exceptional talent. His sister, Deanie, later became a member of the LPGA Tour, confirming the family’s deep ties to professional golf.
Wood’s junior career was nothing short of outstanding. He won the 1977 U.S. Junior Amateur, the 1978 PGA Junior, and the 1979 Western Junior. In 1978, his achievements earned him the AJGA Rolex Player of the Year award, establishing him as one of the top young players in the country and setting the stage for his collegiate success.
Path to Professional Golf
Following his decorated junior career, Wood enrolled at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma, where he became a standout member of the golf team. At Oklahoma State, he played alongside future PGA Tour players Bob Tway, Scott Verplank, and Tommy Moore, sharpening his skills against elite competition. His amateur success peaked in 1982 when he received the Haskins Award, presented annually to the most outstanding collegiate golfer in the United States.
Wood represented the United States in the 1983 Walker Cup, one of the premier events in amateur golf. Later that same year, he transitioned to the professional ranks after earning medalist honors at the 1983 PGA Tour Qualifying School, signaling the beginning of his long professional career.
Willie Wood Career
Early Career (1983–1995)
After joining the PGA Tour in 1983, Wood spent his early professional years working to establish himself against the world’s best players. He split his playing time between the PGA Tour and what is now known as the Nationwide Tour, using the developmental circuit to maintain his game and accumulate 12 top-10 finishes. His best major championship result during this period came at the 1985 PGA Championship, where he finished tied for 23rd.
Wood’s consistency on the PGA Tour began to translate into stronger finishes as the decade progressed. By the mid-1990s, he had compiled 23 top-10 finishes on the PGA Tour, positioning himself for a breakthrough victory.
PGA Tour Breakthrough (1996–1997)
Wood earned his lone PGA Tour victory at the 1996 Deposit Guaranty Golf Classic, a career-defining moment that validated years of hard work. The win came during a season in which he continued to demonstrate the steady play that had become his trademark.
The following year, Wood posted his best finish in a major championship, recording a tie for 12th at the 1997 Masters Tournament. He also finished tied for 17th at the 1992 U.S. Open, further establishing his reputation as a reliable performer on golf’s biggest stages.
PGA Tour Champions Era (2010–Present)
After turning 50 in late 2010, Wood transitioned to the PGA Tour Champions. His debut on the senior circuit came at the AT&T Championship, where he finished tied for 13th. In August 2012, Wood captured his first Champions Tour title at the Dick’s Sporting Goods Open at En-Joie Golf Club in Endicott, New York, defeating Michael Allen on the first hole of a sudden-death playoff.
Wood has continued to compete on the PGA Tour Champions, adding a second victory on the senior circuit to bring his Champions Tour playoff record to a perfect 1–0 in playoff appearances. His professional career now includes seven total wins across multiple tours.
Driving Style and Strengths
Wood has built his career on consistent ball-striking and steady course management, qualities that have allowed him to remain competitive across multiple tours for decades. His experience and patience have been valuable assets, particularly on the Champions Tour, where strategic play often outweighs raw distance.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Wood’s most memorable moments are his 1996 Deposit Guaranty Golf Classic victory, his tie for 12th at the 1997 Masters, and his playoff win at the 2012 Dick’s Sporting Goods Open. His 1982 Haskins Award and 1983 Walker Cup appearance also stand as key milestones in a distinguished career.
Willie Wood Career Wins
Willie Wood has compiled a total of seven professional victories, with wins spread across the PGA Tour, the Champions Tour, and other events. His triumph at the 1996 Deposit Guaranty Golf Classic remains his lone PGA Tour title, while his two Champions Tour wins highlight his successful transition to senior golf.
PGA Tour Highlights
Wood’s sole PGA Tour victory came at the 1996 Deposit Guaranty Golf Classic, a breakthrough moment after more than a decade on tour. He has recorded 23 top-10 finishes on the PGA Tour, reflecting his sustained competitiveness at the highest level of professional golf.
Champions Tour Highlights
On the PGA Tour Champions, Wood captured his first victory at the 2012 Dick’s Sporting Goods Open at En-Joie Golf Club in Endicott, New York, defeating Michael Allen in a sudden-death playoff. He has since added a second Champions Tour title, cementing his legacy on the senior circuit.
Other Wins and Performances
In addition to his PGA Tour and Champions Tour victories, Wood has recorded four other professional wins. His amateur résumé, which includes the 1977 U.S. Junior Amateur, the 1978 PGA Junior, and the 1979 Western Junior, further underscores his long-standing success in the game.
| Series | Wins | Top Tens | Poles |
|---|---|---|---|
| PGA Tour | 1 | 23 | — |
| PGA Tour Champions | 2 | — | — |
| Nationwide Tour | — | 12 | — |
| Other | 4 | — | — |
Willie Wood Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Willie Wood comes from a family with deep roots in golf. His sister, Deanie, competed on the LPGA Tour, illustrating the family’s strong connection to the professional game. This background helped shape Wood’s early interest in golf and contributed to his rapid development as a junior player.
Personal Life
Willie Wood was married to Holly Wood, and together they had two children. Holly was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 1988 and passed away ten months later. Wood currently resides in Edmond, Oklahoma, where he remains an active member of the local golf community.
2025 Season Performance
Willie Wood continues to compete on the PGA Tour Champions in 2025, drawing on decades of professional experience. As a longtime member of the “Oak Tree Gang” at Oak Tree National in Edmond, Oklahoma, he benefits from regular competitive rounds with fellow touring professionals, which helps him stay sharp on the senior circuit.
Wood’s career total of seven professional wins, including two Champions Tour victories, reflects the consistency that has defined his career. With his proven track record in playoff competition and his steady approach to the game, he remains a respected presence in senior golf.
Looking ahead, Wood’s priorities in 2025 include maintaining his health, competing in select Champions Tour events, and continuing to contribute to the golf community in Edmond. His legacy as a Haskins Award winner and PGA Tour champion ensures his place among the notable American golfers of his generation.