Known just as much for his laid-back attitude and charismatic personality as his golf game, Fred Couples can soon tack World Golf Hall of Fame member to his reputation as the undisputed “coolest” guy in golf.
“Boom Boom” boasts an impressive resume that includes being a 15-time PGA Tour winner, 1992 Masters Champion, and two-time Players Champion. He has also captained two victorious American President’s Cup teams and was the first American-born player to reach No. 1 in the world rankings, a spot he held for 16 weeks, proving that although he may appear relaxed at all times, he possesses a fierce competitive fire within.
This recognition could not have come to a more popular player, and as Steve Stricker told The Golf Channel, “Everybody wants to be like Freddie.” With one of the smoothest swings in the history of the game and deft touch around the greens one can’t help but wonder how much more Couples could have won if not for a chronic back issue that he could never shake, seemingly rearing its ugly head at the most inopportune of times.
Couples will be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame on May 6 at the World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Florida and it is expected he will ask his college roommate Jim Nantz to introduce him.
As of late Freddie hasn’t played too much competitive golf due to his back issues, but he is scheduled to be an Assistant Captain to Davis Love III in next week’s Ryder Cup, and will take his third term as President’s Cup Captain next year in Ohio.
Although certainly not the most accomplished golfer in the Hall, Couples’ status as an icon in the game of golf makes this decision a no-brainer. Freddie received 51 per cent of the vote, which requires 65 per cent for automatic inclusion; however the Tour accepts the leading vote getter each year over 50 per cent. Other golfers who received votes were as follows:
Ken Venturi – 38 per cent
Davis Love III – 38 per cent
Mark O’Meara – 36 per cent
Tony Lema – 28 per cent
Macdonald Smith – 24 per cent
Fuzzy Zoeller – 22 per cent
Dave Stockton – 21 per cent
Miller Barber -13 per cent
Don January – 13 per cent
Harold (Jug) McSpaden – 10 per cent
Jim Furyk – 8 per cent
David Duval – 1 per cent
Steve Stricker – 1 per cent
Memorable Fred Couples Moments
– 1992 Masters, ball somehow stays up on the bank
– 1999 TPC Sawgrass 17th hole, dunks 2nd tee shot in the hole for par
– Couples clinches 1996 Presidents Cup for Team USA