Jerome Patrick Kelly is a distinguished American professional golfer who has made significant strides on both the PGA Tour and PGA Tour Champions. After graduating from the University of Hartford in 1989, Kelly turned professional later that year. His journey to the PGA Tour was marked by perseverance, as he secured his spot in 1996 following a successful season on the Nike Tour in 1995, where he clinched two tournament victories. His breakout year came in 2002, when he finished fourth on the PGA Tour money list and triumphed at the Sony Open in Hawaii and the Advil Western Open, solidifying his reputation as a formidable competitor.

In 2009, Kelly showcased his skill by winning the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, sealing the victory with a clutch two-foot par putt on the final hole. This win was particularly noteworthy as it marked his return to the winner’s circle after a seven-year hiatus. Despite facing challenges in subsequent years, including finishing just outside the top 125 on the money list in 2012, Kelly demonstrated resilience by utilizing a career money list exemption to continue competing at a high level.

Kelly made his PGA Tour Champions debut in 2017 and quickly found success, winning the Boeing Classic just six months later. His impressive performance continued into 2019, where he captured multiple titles, including the American Family Insurance Championship and The Ally Challenge, bringing his total to five victories on the Champions Tour.

In August 2020, Kelly achieved a career milestone by winning his first major championship at the Bridgestone Senior Players Championship, further establishing his legacy in senior golf. He continued to excel, defending his title at the American Family Insurance Championship in 2021 and winning the Senior Players Championship for a second time in 2022. With a total of 12 professional wins, Jerry Kelly remains a prominent figure in the golfing world, inspiring many with his dedication and achievements.