Craig Parry
Craig Parry is an Australian professional golfer who turned professional in December 1985 and has amassed 23 victories across various tours, including two on the PGA Tour.[1] Born on January 12, 1966, in Sunshine, Victoria, Parry began playing golf at age five and quickly rose through the ranks, achieving scratch handicap status by age 17 before joining clubs like Sunshine Golf Club.[2][3] Parry's career highlights include winning the World Golf Championships – NEC Invitational in 2002 and the Ford Championship at Doral in 2004, the latter featuring one of the most memorable shots in PGA Tour history when he holed his approach from 176 yards on the playoff hole.[4][5] He also secured multiple titles on the European Tour, such as the 1989 German Open and 1991 Italian Open, and dominated domestic events with three Australian Masters victories (1992, 1994, 1996) and the 2007 Australian Open.[3][6] Internationally, Parry represented Australia in prestigious team competitions, including the Presidents Cup in 1994, 1996, and 1998, as well as the World Cup in 2002 and multiple Dunhill Cups from 1993 to 1999.[7] At 5 feet 6 inches tall, he is renowned for his exceptional short game and putting, which have been key to his longevity in the sport; as of 2025, he continues to compete on the PGA Tour Champions circuit, where he has earned over $101,000 in official money across 25 events.[2][7]Early years
Early life
Craig Parry was born on 12 January 1966 in Sunshine, a western suburb of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. He grew up in the Melbourne area before moving to [Western Australia](/page/Western Australia) during his teenage years, joining Royal Fremantle Golf Club at age 16.[3] Parry has a younger brother, Glenn.[8] Despite his compact stature of 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 m) and well-developed forearms, which earned him the enduring nickname "Popeye," Parry faced no publicly documented childhood obstacles that directly shaped his early passion for golf, though his dedication led him to join additional clubs like Torquay Golf Club at age 13.[9] Parry was first introduced to golf at the age of five, when he played his initial rounds at Melton Valley Golf Club in Melton, Victoria. By age ten, he had joined Sunshine Golf Club in his hometown, marking the beginning of his deeper involvement in the sport. As he matured, golf gradually became his primary pursuit.[3]Amateur career
Craig Parry began his competitive golf journey in junior events in Australia, quickly establishing himself as a top talent in the early 1980s. He represented Victoria in the Schoolboy Team in 1982, and Western Australia in junior and amateur teams from 1983 to 1985.[3] His early successes included runner-up finishes in national junior competitions, such as the 1983 Australian Boys' Amateur, where he lost in a playoff to Grant Waite. By 1984, at age 18, Parry achieved significant milestones, winning the Western Australian Junior Amateur Championship and the Western Australian Amateur Championship.[3] That same year, Parry earned selection to the Australian Amateur Team and finished as the leading amateur in the Australian Open at Royal Melbourne Golf Club, placing behind winner Tom Watson despite challenging conditions.[3][10] In 1985, Parry continued his strong form by winning the Western Australian Amateur Championship for the second consecutive year and again representing Australia on the Amateur Team, gaining exposure to international competition through team matches in the Asia-Pacific region.[3] With a handicap of plus 3 at age 18, he honed his skills primarily at Melton Valley Golf Club in Victoria, building resilience through consistent participation in national and state-level events.[3] These accomplishments culminated in his decision to turn professional in December 1985, at 19 years and 11 months old, marking the end of a promising amateur phase.[3]Professional career
Early professional career
Craig Parry turned professional in 1985 at the age of 19, leveraging his strong amateur background as a foundation for the transition to competitive professional golf. His initial focus was on the PGA Tour of Australasia, where he quickly established himself as a rising talent. In 1987, Parry claimed his first professional victory at the Panasonic New South Wales Open, starting the final round with a seven-stroke lead but carding a 7-over-par 79 to hold off the field by one shot for the $105,000 prize. That same year, he achieved further breakthroughs with wins at the Canadian TPC and the Times Colonist Open, both co-sanctioned events that introduced him to broader international competition. These successes on the Australasian circuit, totaling three victories in 1987, helped solidify his reputation and improve his rankings within the region. Parry expanded his horizons by venturing onto international tours shortly after turning pro. In 1986 and 1987, he competed on the Asian Tour but experienced limited success, underscoring the challenges of adapting to diverse course conditions, travel demands, and competitive fields outside his home region. By 1988, he began regular appearances on the European Tour, participating consistently through 1991 and gaining exposure to Europe's elite players. His breakthrough on this circuit came in 1989 at the German Open, where he defeated England's Mark James with a par on the second playoff hole at Frankfurt Golf Club to secure his first European Tour title. Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, Parry faced the rigors of establishing a global presence, including qualifying efforts for the PGA Tour. He earned his PGA Tour card ahead of the 1992 season, marking a significant step in his career progression despite the competitive hurdles of international adaptation and ranking climbs. These early years laid the groundwork for his sustained presence across multiple tours, with his regional dominance in Australasia providing stability amid the uncertainties of overseas play.Mid-career achievements
During the mid-1990s, Craig Parry established himself as a dominant force on the PGA Tour of Australasia, culminating in his first Order of Merit title in 1995 with earnings of A$334,804—about 61% more than runner-up Michael Campbell's A207,404—highlighting his consistent excellence across multiple events on the tour.[11] This period also saw him achieve a career-high Official World Golf Ranking of 14th (on 1 March 1992), reflecting his rising global profile through strong international performances. Parry's breakthrough on the PGA Tour came in 2002 with a victory at the World Golf Championships-NEC Invitational, where he won by four strokes over Robert Allenby and Fred Funk—with Tiger Woods finishing fifth, five strokes back—to claim the $1,000,000 first prize, marking his first win on the circuit after a decade of participation and propelling him into the top 20 rankings.[6] He followed this with another PGA Tour triumph in 2004 at the Ford Championship at Doral, defeating Scott Verplank in a playoff, further solidifying his status among elite international competitors.[6] On the European Tour, Parry secured multiple victories during this era, including a win at the Heineken Classic in 2002 and another in 2005 via a playoff against Nick O'Hern, demonstrating his adaptability to varied courses and conditions.[12] These successes were complemented by top finishes in non-major events, such as runner-up positions in high-profile tournaments, which underscored his technical proficiency and mental resilience under pressure.[6] Returning frequently to Australia amid his global schedule, Parry continued to excel on the PGA Tour of Australasia, winning the Order of Merit again in 2002 and capturing key titles like the Australian Masters, which reinforced his leadership in regional golf while balancing the demands of transcontinental travel across three major tours.[11] His ability to maintain peak form across these circuits, including selections for the International team in the Presidents Cup in 1994, 1996, and 1998, exemplified the logistical and competitive challenges he navigated during his prime years.[6]Later career and senior tour
Following his mid-career successes, Craig Parry shifted his focus primarily to the PGA Tour of Australasia in the 2000s and 2010s, where he established dominance by topping the Order of Merit in 2002 and again in 2007 with earnings of A$422,004 that season.[13][11] During this period, he secured key victories on the circuit, including the 2005 Heineken Classic at Royal Melbourne Golf Club after a playoff and the 2007 MFS Australian Open at The Australian Golf Club.[14][15] Parry scaled back appearances on the PGA Tour and European Tour after 2006, as his 10-year exemption from the 1997 Japanese Open victory expired, prompting him to prioritize the Australasian Tour through 2017 for greater consistency closer to home.[16][14] This strategic adjustment allowed him to maintain competitive play regionally while accumulating 12 total wins on the PGA Tour of Australasia over his career.[7] Upon turning 50, Parry joined the PGA Tour Champions in 2016, debuting with enthusiasm but facing the tour's competitive demands in his initial season.[17] Over 25 starts through 2025, he made the cut in 23 events and earned $101,438 in official money, though he recorded no wins or top-10 finishes until a strong opening round of 68 at the 2025 PURE Insurance Championship, where he tied for the early lead.[7][18] His senior career highlighted sustained longevity, with consistent cuts made reflecting his enduring skill.[19] Beyond competitive play, Parry has contributed to golf course design, notably completing a master plan for Coffs Harbour Golf Club in 2021 to enhance playability for members and elite players alike, with key implementations including redesigned bunkers and greens completed by 2023.[20][21] Recent projects through 2025 encompass renovations at Teven Valley Golf Club, Cromer Golf Club, Wakehurst Golf Club, and Hawks Nest Golf Club.[22][23]Professional wins
PGA Tour wins (2)
Craig Parry secured his first PGA Tour victory at the 2002 WGC-NEC Invitational, held from August 22–25 at Sahalee Country Club in Sammamish, Washington. He finished at 16-under-par 268, winning by four strokes over Robert Allenby and Fred Funk, highlighted by a bogey-free final 48 holes and a closing 65 that included defeating defending champion Tiger Woods by five shots.[24][25] His second and final PGA Tour win came at the 2004 Ford Championship at Doral, played March 4–7 at the Blue Monster Course of Trump National Doral Miami in Miami, Florida. Tied with Scott Verplank at 13-under-par 275 after 72 holes, Parry clinched the title on the first playoff hole (the par-4 18th) by holing a 6-iron approach from 176 yards for an eagle.[26][27] These triumphs marked Parry's only successes on the PGA Tour, achieved during his mid-career after gaining access through consistent international performances and special invitations.[6]European Tour wins (6)
Craig Parry secured his first European Tour victory at the 1989 Wang Four Stars National Pro-Celebrity, held from June 8 to 11 at Moor Park Golf Club in Rickmansworth, England. He posted a total score of 273 (−15), defeating Ian Woosnam in a playoff by birdieing the first extra hole. This breakthrough win, Parry's debut success on the tour after turning professional in 1985, earned him £32,000 and propelled him into the spotlight as an emerging Australian talent. The victory marked the beginning of a strong debut season, contributing to his rise in the Order of Merit standings.[11] Later that year, Parry claimed his second title at the 1989 German Open, contested from August 24 to 27 at Frankfurter Golf Club in Frankfurt, Germany. Finishing at 266 (−18), he overcame Mark James in a sudden-death playoff, securing par on the second extra hole for the win and a prize of £54,222. The event showcased Parry's putting prowess amid firm, fast conditions, and the triumph elevated his year-end Order of Merit position to 28th, solidifying his status on the circuit.[28] In 1991, Parry enjoyed a standout season with back-to-back victories. His third European Tour win came at the Lancia Martini Italian Open, played from May 16 to 19 at Golf Club Castelconturbia in Novara, Italy. He carded 279 (−9) to edge out Woosnam by one stroke, navigating a late charge from the Masters champion with steady play on the challenging parkland layout. The £54,212 prize helped boost his confidence heading into majors, where he later finished eighth at The Open Championship. This success contributed to his career-best 17th place on the 1991 Order of Merit.[29] Parry's fourth title followed swiftly at the 1991 Bell's Scottish Open, held July 11 to 14 at The Gleneagles Hotel (King's Course) in Perthshire, Scotland. With rounds of 65-67-69-67 totaling 268 (−12), he won by one stroke over a strong field, including Vijay Singh. The victory, worth £83,330, highlighted his links-style adaptation and windy conditions management, further enhancing his ranking to a season-high trajectory and underscoring Australia's growing influence on the tour that year.[30] After an 11-year gap, Parry's fifth European Tour triumph arrived at the co-sanctioned 2002 WGC-NEC Invitational, from August 22 to 25 at Sahalee Country Club in Sammamish, Washington. He fired 72-65-66-65 for 268 (−16), prevailing by four strokes over Robert Allenby and Fred Funk to claim $1,000,000. This landmark win, Parry's first on the PGA Tour and the first WGC victory for an Australian, vaulted him 73 spots to No. 45 in the Official World Golf Ranking and counted toward the European Tour's Order of Merit, where it added significant earnings toward his 2002 total. The performance under pressure, including three consecutive birdies early in the final round, affirmed his enduring competitiveness.[31] Parry completed his six European Tour victories with the 2005 Heineken Classic, staged February 3 to 6 at Royal Melbourne Golf Club in Victoria, Australia. Tied at 270 (−14) after 72 holes, he outlasted Nick O'Hern with a birdie on the fourth playoff hole, securing €225,368. This emotional home-soil win, his first full European Tour title in 14 years, extended his perfect playoff record to three-for-three and lifted him to No. 38 in the world rankings. It reinvigorated his career trajectory on the Order of Merit, marking a resilient return after focusing on other tours.[32]PGA Tour of Australasia wins (12)
Craig Parry established himself as a dominant force on the PGA Tour of Australasia, amassing 12 victories between 1987 and 2007 that solidified his reputation as one of the region's premier talents. His success included topping the Tour's Order of Merit on three occasions—in 1995 with earnings of A$334,804, in 2002, and in 2007—reflecting his consistency and prowess in home-soil competitions. Parry's wins often came in high-profile events, contributing to his status as a key figure in Australian golf, though he endured multiple near-misses in the national championship, finishing runner-up several times before securing his first Australian Open title on his 24th attempt in 2007.[13][33][34][34] His breakthrough victory came in the 1987 Panasonic New South Wales Open at The Lakes Golf Club in Sydney, where he claimed the title as a rising professional. Parry's most prolific year was 1992, when he swept three of Australia's top tournaments: the Ford Australian PGA Championship at Concord Golf Club (15-under 269, three-shot margin over Peter McWhinney), the CIG New South Wales Open (won in a three-hole playoff against the defending champion), and the Australian Masters at Huntingdale Golf Club. This trio of wins showcased his versatility and mental fortitude, propelling him to prominence on the local circuit.[3][35][36][37] Parry continued his regional dominance with back-to-back Australian Masters titles in 1994 (Pyramid Australian Masters) and 1996 (Ericsson Australian Masters), adding to his collection of national honors. In 1995, he captured two events—the Canon Challenge and the Greg Norman's Holden Classic. Further successes included the 1997 Schweppes Coolum Classic at Hyatt Regency Coolum Golf Course, the 2002 Telstra Hyundai New Zealand Open at Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club (11-under 273, one-stroke victory over Steven Alker, Michael Campbell, and Stephen Leaney tied for second), and the 2005 Heineken Classic at Royal Melbourne Golf Club (14-under 270, birdie on the fourth playoff hole against Nick O'Hern). His career in Australasia culminated with the 2007 MFS Australian Open at The Australian Golf Club (11-under 277, one-shot margin over Nick O'Hern, Lee Won-joon, and Brandt Snedeker), a long-awaited national title that also clinched his third Order of Merit.[3][11][38][11][39]| Year | Tournament | Venue | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Panasonic New South Wales Open | The Lakes Golf Club, Sydney, Australia | First professional win on the Tour.[3] |
| 1992 | Ford Australian PGA Championship | Concord Golf Club, Sydney, Australia | 15-under 269; 3-shot win over Peter McWhinney.[11] |
| 1992 | CIG New South Wales Open | NSW Golf Club, La Perouse, Australia | Won in 3-hole playoff.[36] |
| 1992 | Australian Masters | Huntingdale Golf Club, Melbourne, Australia | Key win in dominant season.[3] |
| 1994 | Pyramid Australian Masters | Victoria Golf Club, Melbourne, Australia | Back-to-back Masters title.[3] |
| 1995 | Canon Challenge | Cranbourne Golf Club, Victoria, Australia | Order of Merit season opener.[3] |
| 1995 | Greg Norman's Holden Classic | The Lakes Golf Club, Sydney, Australia | 16-under 276; 1-shot win over Michael Campbell.[11] |
| 1996 | Ericsson Australian Masters | Victoria Golf Club, Melbourne, Australia | Third Masters victory overall.[3] |
| 1997 | Schweppes Coolum Classic | Hyatt Regency Coolum, Queensland, Australia | Regional event win.[3] |
| 2002 | Telstra Hyundai New Zealand Open | Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club, New Zealand | 11-under 273; 1-stroke win over three players tied for second.[11] |
| 2005 | Heineken Classic | Royal Melbourne Golf Club, Victoria, Australia | 14-under 270; playoff birdie on 4th extra hole vs. Nick O'Hern.[38] |
| 2007 | MFS Australian Open | The Australian Golf Club, Sydney, Australia | 11-under 277; 1-shot win; first national Open title.[34] |
Other international wins (4)
Craig Parry achieved four notable victories on international tours outside his primary circuits, demonstrating his adaptability and success in diverse global settings. These wins, spanning Canada, Asia, and Japan, highlighted his early career expansion and ability to compete against top international fields, often involving significant travel from his Australian base. In 1987, shortly after turning professional, Parry claimed his first international title at the Payless Canadian Tournament Players Championship held at Royal Victoria Golf Club in Victoria, British Columbia. He finished with a winning score of 10-under-par 274, defeating John Cyboran in a playoff. This victory, requiring a trans-Pacific journey, marked a breakthrough for the 21-year-old and boosted his confidence for further overseas campaigns.[3] Parry's foray into Japanese golf proved particularly fruitful, with two triumphs on the Japan Golf Tour. His first came at the 1989 Bridgestone Aso Open, held April 13–16 at Aso Kumamoto Airport Golf Course in Kumamoto, Japan. Posting a 17-under-par total of 271, he won by five strokes over Tsuneyuki Nakajima. As an early international event on the tour, it showcased Parry's accuracy on the demanding layout and established his presence in Asia.[40] Two years later in 1997, Parry captured the Satelindo Indonesian Open on the Asian PGA Tour at the Jagorawi Golf & Country Club near Jakarta. Scoring 8-under-par 280, he prevailed by two strokes over South Africa's Des Terblanche in a tournament known for its humid, tropical challenges and growing status as a gateway event for Asian Tour aspirants. This success, following a long-haul flight to Southeast Asia, contributed to his momentum that year and underscored the tour's role in bridging regional and global golf.[11] Later that same year, Parry added the prestigious Japan Open, one of Japan's five major championships, at Koga Golf Club in Fukuoka. He carded a 2-over-par 286 to win by one stroke over a trio of challengers, including Japan's Masashi Ozaki, in an event renowned for its rigorous qualification and national significance since 1926. The victory, amid jet-lag from international travel, represented a career highlight, affirming his prowess on demanding Japanese courses lined with native pines and bunkers.[41]Major championships
Results timeline
Craig Parry debuted in a major championship at the 1987 Open Championship, missing the cut at Muirfield. Over his career, he competed in 37 majors through 2008, achieving his best finish with a tie for third at the 1993 U.S. Open, where he and Paul Azinger birdied the final hole to end five strokes behind winner Lee Janzen.[42] Parry exhibited a strong affinity for the Open Championship, making ten cuts in twelve starts and securing three top-10 results, including an outright eighth place in 1991 at Royal Birkdale and a tie for fourth in 1999 at Carnoustie, where his third-round 67 propelled him up the leaderboard.[43][44] The table below details his year-by-year finishes in the majors (CUT indicates missed cut; DNP indicates did not play). Notable scores include his 1999 Open third-round 67 and 1993 U.S. Open final-round birdie to secure T3.[45]| Year | Masters Tournament | U.S. Open | The Open Championship | PGA Championship |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | DNP | DNP | CUT | DNP |
| 1988 | DNP | DNP | CUT | DNP |
| 1989 | DNP | DNP | 8 | DNP |
| 1990 | DNP | 46 | T22 | T40 |
| 1991 | DNP | T11 | 8 | T43 |
| 1992 | T13 | T33 | T28 | DNP |
| 1993 | T45 | T3 | T59 | T31 |
| 1994 | T30 | T25 | T77 | T19 |
| 1995 | DNP | DNP | DNP | DNP |
| 1996 | DNP | T90 | DNP | T65 |
| 1997 | DNP | T43 | DNP | DNP |
| 1998 | DNP | DNP | DNP | T71 |
| 1999 | T48 | T34 | T4 | DNP |
| 2000 | T25 | T37 | T36 | DNP |
| 2001 | DNP | DNP | DNP | DNP |
| 2002 | DNP | DNP | DNP | CUT |
| 2003 | T39 | DNP | T59 | DNP |
| 2004 | DNP | T60 | DNP | T55 |
| 2005 | T25 | DNP | DNP | DNP |
| 2006 | DNP | DNP | DNP | DNP |
| 2007 | DNP | DNP | DNP | DNP |
| 2008 | DNP | DNP | T70 | DNP |
| 2009–present | DNP | DNP | DNP | DNP |