Stephen "Woody" Austin (born January 27, 1964) is an American professional golfer who has competed on the PGA Tour and currently plays on the PGA Tour Champions. Known for his distinctive, animated golf swing and his candid personality, Austin has garnered success throughout his career, including four victories on the PGA Tour.
Early Life and Amateur Career Born in Tampa, Florida, Austin attended the University of Miami before transferring to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was a prominent member of the golf team. He turned professional in 1986, embarking on his journey in professional golf.
Professional Career
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PGA Tour Austin earned his PGA Tour card in 1990 and maintained a presence on the tour for over two decades. His career was characterized by periods of strong play and several notable wins. His first PGA Tour victory came in 1995 at the Buick Challenge. He later added wins at the 2004 Buick Championship and the 2007 Stanford St. Jude Championship. The 2007 season was particularly successful for Austin; in addition to his win, he recorded multiple top-10 finishes and earned a coveted spot on the U.S. Ryder Cup team, representing his country in the prestigious team competition against Europe. Throughout his PGA Tour career, Austin was often recognized for his unique swing mechanics and expressive on-course demeanor.
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PGA Tour Champions Upon reaching the age of 50 in 2014, Austin transitioned to the PGA Tour Champions, the senior professional golf tour. He quickly found success in this new chapter of his career. He secured his first victory on the senior circuit at the 2013 Pacific Links Hawaii Championship, remarkably achieving this win before officially turning 50 (he competed via an exemption as he was close to the age milestone). Since then, Austin has continued to be a competitive force, adding further victories to his resume on the PGA Tour Champions.
Career Highlights (Selected)
- 1995 Buick Challenge (PGA Tour)
- 2004 Buick Championship (PGA Tour)
- 2007 Stanford St. Jude Championship (PGA Tour)
- 2013 Pacific Links Hawaii Championship (PGA Tour Champions – unofficial win before turning 50)
- 2016 Tucson Conquistadores Classic (PGA Tour Champions)
- 2016 MasterCard Japan Championship (PGA Tour Champions)