Fred Couples, known as “Boom Boom” in the professional golf world due to his smooth swing and impressive length, was born on Oct. 3, 1959. Celebrating his 65th birthday in 2024, Couples boasts an illustrious career with 15 PGA Tour victories, including a triumph at the 1992 Masters and two Players Championship titles in 1984 and 1996. By winning the 2003 Shell Houston Open in his 622nd PGA Tour start, Couples solidified his place in golf history. Transitioning to the PGA Tour Champions, he secured 14 wins in 153 starts, with his most recent victory in 2022 where he impressively carded 12 birdies and closed with a score of 60. In 2023, Couples also became the oldest golfer to make the cut at the Masters. Despite stating that he would retire if he shot an 80 during the 2024 tournament, Couples had a change of heart after scoring exactly that in the first round and vowed to return for the 2025 and possibly the 2026 competitions.
Beyond his accomplishments on the course, Couples has left his mark off the fairways as well. As the lone Masters champion who hadn’t donated a club to the Club, Couples refurbished the driver – a MacGregor Eye 85 with a persimmon wood head – that he used during his victorious year. In 2010, he garnered attention for sporting a pair of Ecco Street golf shoes when playing the Masters, setting a new trend in golf fashion.
Couples’ prowess in the sport extended to leadership roles within prestigious golf events. He served as the U.S. captain at the Presidents Cup three times (2009, 2011, 2013) and as a vice-captain at the Ryder Cup twice (2020, 2023), achieving victory in all instances. Fans have continued to support Couples throughout his career, eagerly anticipating his return to the Masters each year.
Explore some memorable moments in Fred Couples’ career through these images:
1. 2023 Ryder Cup – Celebration with Patrick Cantlay
2. World Golf Hall of Fame Induction
3. 1992 Masters – Green Jacket Presentation
4. 2022 Presidents Cup – Assistant Captain Role
5. 2006 Masters – Congratulating Phil Mickelson
6. 2011 Masters – On-course Moment with Caddie
7. 2017 Presidents Cup – Interaction with Fans
8. 1992 Masters – Green Jacket Presentation
9. 2009 Presidents Cup – Sharing a Moment with George H.W. Bush
