Woody Austin

Woody Austin of United States plays his tee shot on the 2nd hole during the First Round of the HSBC World Matchplay Championship at The Wentworth Club on October 11, 2007 in Virginia Water, England.

Albert Woody Austin II - or Woody Austin - currently falls in the top 20 on the US Ryder Cup points list, making him a candidate for Team USA at the 2008 Ryder Cup Matches.

As well as being a top golfer, it's clear that Woody Austin has something of a sense of humour. The day after falling into a pond at the 14th hole during the 2007 Presidents Cup in Montreal, he donned a diver's mask for the same hole during a singles match against Angel Cabrera.

Phil Mickelson - Austin's partner during the infamous dive into the pond - is quoted as saying, "I think there ought to be a special plaque there to commemorate the birth of Aquaman." The day before, Austin achieved a remarkable eight birdies for the United States.

Woody Austin started his career as a professional golfer in 1986. His first PGA Tour win came in 1995 with the Buick Open - a win that earned him the PGA Tour Rookie of the Year award. His performance at the 2004 Buick Championship and the 2007 Stanford St. Jude Championship was impressive.

Woody Austin has yet to take a trophy in a major championship. He came close though, as runner-up to Tiger Woods in the 2007 PGA Championship. This feat propelled him into the top 50 in the Official World Golf Rankings, where he has remained since.

Woody Austin PGA Tour Wins (3)

  • 1995: Buick Open, through a par on the second extra hole in a playoff with Mike Brisky
  • 2004: Buick Championship, through a birdie on the first extra hole in a playoff with Tim Herron
  • 2007: Stanford St. Jude Championship, by 5 strokes (runner-up: Brian Davis)

Don't miss the fierce rivalry and excitement of the 2008 Ryder Cup Matches, due to be held in September at the Valhalla Golf Club.