Jim Furyk Profile

Jim Furyk is currently second only to Tiger Woods on the Ryder Cup points list, making it a distinct possibility that he'll play for Team USA at the 2008 Ryder Cup Matches in Louisville, Kentucky.

Jim Furyk has played for the USA in the Ryder Cup Matches a total of five times, in 1997, 1999, 2002, 2004 and 2006.

Furyk was born in West Chester, Pennsylvania on 12 May, 1970. He has a visibly unconventional golf swing, described by commentator David Feherty as "an octopus falling out of a tree." He has consistently played at the top level, reaching a career high of second in the Official World Golf Rankings in September 2006.

Jim Furyk's Career

At the age of 28, Jim Furyk won his first tournament on the PGA Tour. He repeated this feat each year until 2003. He won his first major championship in 2003 in the US Open. His performance there tied the record for the lowest 72-hole score.

In 2004, Jim Furyk underwent surgery to repair cartilage damage in his wrist and so played in only fourteen events. He regained his top ten ranking the following year, returning in fine form to win a PGA Tour event and, in 2006, another two events.

It was in 2006 that Furyk won the Vardon Trophy for the first time. He also finished second on the money list. The season saw him gain a career best of 13 top ten finishes, including nine in the top three position, four second-place finishes and two wins.

His unconventional swing is partly attributed to his only instructor, his father Mike Furyk. The swing is characterised by a distinctive looping motion and was considered controversial in Jim Furyk's early career. His father never made him change this style, seeing that it came naturally him.

Jim Furyk will be one of the exciting players to watch in the 2008 Ryder Cup Matches.