Craig Perks

Craig William Perks (born 6 January 1967) is a professional golfer from New Zealand who won the 2002 Players Championship.

Early life and amateur career In 1967, Perks was born in Palmerston North, New Zealand. He was also raised in the town.

Perks attended university in the United States. He played college golf at the University of Oklahoma and the University of Southwestern Louisiana in Lafayette, Louisiana.

Professional career In 1993, Perks turned professional. He played on the second tier Nike Tour for several seasons. Perks became a member of the PGA Tour after a tie for 35th in the 1999 PGA Tour Qualifying School earned him his tour card for the 2000 season.

At the age of 35, in 2002, Perks unexpectedly won The Players Championship. In the final pairing, he played the final three holes in only nine shots, three under par, with only one putt. Perks chipped in for eagle, sank a birdie putt on the Island Green, then chipped in for par to win by two strokes. He was even par 72 for the final round, but only had two pars in the last fourteen Starting the year at 256 in the world rankings, Perks climbed from 203 to 64 with the win, and was named the New Zealand Sportsman of the Year for 2002. It granted a five-year exemption on tour, but was his only win in 202 starts.

After making only one cut on the PGA Tour during 2006 and 2007, he announced his retirement in November 2007, and became a commentator on the Golf Channel.

Awards and honors In 2002, Perks was named the New Zealand Sportsman of the Year

Professional wins (5) PGA Tour wins (1) Legend Players Championships (1) Other PGA Tour (0)

Hooters Tour wins (4)

Playoff record PGA Tour of Australasia playoff record (0–1)

Nike Tour playoff record (0–1)

Results in major championships

CUT = missed the half-way cut "T" = tied

The Players Championship Wins (1) YearChampionship54 holesWinning scoreMarginRunner-up 2002 The Players Championship 1 shot deficit −8 (71-68-69-72=280) 2 strokes Stephen Ames

Results timeline

CUT = missed the halfway cut "T" indicates a tie for a place.

Results in World Golf Championships

"T" = Tied

Team appearances World Cup (representing New Zealand): 2002, 2004