Fred Funk

Fred Funk was born in Takoma Park, Maryland, on June 14, 1956. Early in his life, he participated in various sports, including boxing for eight years. He initially attended the University of Maryland but was cut from the golf team in 1975. He then transferred to Prince George’s Community College before returning to the University of Maryland two years later, securing a top position on the Terrapins golf team. During this period, he also worked as a circulation supervisor for the Washington Star. He graduated from the University of Maryland in 1980 with a degree in law enforcement.

Funk turned professional in 1981. From 1982 to 1988, he served as the golf coach for the University of Maryland. He became a member of the PGA Tour in 1989. His first PGA Tour victory came in 1992 at the Shell Houston Open. Throughout his PGA Tour career, Funk earned eight wins. A significant achievement was his victory at The Players Championship in 2005, where he became the oldest winner at 48 years old. He also represented the United States in the 2003 and 2005 Presidents Cup teams and the 2004 Ryder Cup. Funk has been inducted into the University of Maryland Athletic Hall of Fame.

After turning 50 in June 2006, Funk became eligible for the Champions Tour, where he has accumulated nine wins, including three senior major championships: the JELD-WEN Tradition in 2008 and 2010, and the U.S. Senior Open in 2009. He made history by becoming the first player to win a PGA Tour-sanctioned event after knee-replacement surgery, following his procedure in 2009. As of the end of the 2013 season, Funk had career PGA Tour earnings of over $21 million and Champions Tour earnings exceeding $9.1 million. His son, Taylor, has also pursued a career in golf.