Scott Verplank is another player we amateurs would do well to emulate. Hitting more than his share of fairways, putting like a man possessed, and doing it a most nonchalant fashion is what makes Verplank a dark horse in any tournament. Recipient of the 2002 Ben Hogan Award, Verplank has proven that he’s a fighter. Given by the Golf Writer Association of America, the Ben Hogan Award recognizes athletes who have remained active golfers despite a physical handicap or illness.
Hole One
Certainly not the most overpowering driver with a current distance of 285.4 yards per drive, he is 8th in driving accuracy. Dave Koster said in the Numbers Game, “Verplank has never been known as a bomber… and he probably never needs to.” Hitting the fairway is important, and that’s been a theme at The Sand Trap lately.
Hole Two
Scott won the 1985 Western Open as an amateur attending Oklahoma State University. He was the first amateur winner on the PGA Tour since Doug Sanders won the 1956 Canadian Open.
Hole Three
Currently the leading putter on Tour at 1.669 PPR, Verplank has ranked no less than 11th in putting since 2002 which has led to no less than 19th on the money list during those years.
Hole Four
He has to live with Type 1 diabetes, regulating his blood sugar with an insulin pump. Complications from Type 1 diabetes can be very serious and Verplank takes his responsibility as a sufferer of diabetes seriously by educating golf fans about it.
Hole Five
Verplank has won four times on the PGA Tour starting with his win as an amateur in 1985. His last win came at the 2001 Bell Canadian Open.
Hole Six
Along with his professional wins, Verplank has won the 1984 U.S. Amateur, the 1986 NCAA amateur title, and the 1998 World Cup of Golf. He has appeared on several national teams: 1985 Walker Cup, 2005 Presidents Cup, 2002 Ryder Cup, 1998 and 2004 WGC-World Cup teams.
Hole Seven
Verplank beat Lee Westwood in 26 holes in the opening round of the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship this year. Mike Weir defeated Loren Roberts in the same amount of holes in 2003. Westwood gave him an eight incher for the win. Verplank said, “Thank God.”
Hole Eight
Justin Leonard and Scott Verplank went 2-1-1 on the 2005 Presidents Cup team. The two have been friends for a long time, play many practice rounds together, and consider each other to have similar approaches to the game.
Hole Nine
With some very impressive statistical success it is a wonder that Verplank hasn’t won more often. Injury has been a big part of what has held this very talented and dedicated player back. Complicated by diabetes, injury has been something that Verplank has had to overcome.
Photo Credit: © Morry Gash.
I always keep an eye on the Oklahoma State University alum, and Verplank is no exception. I love watching him play as well because he is in the middle of every fairway and can putt with the best of em’.
Great job Jeff!
Scott Verplank is a great guy, and I hope to see him win a couple tourneys this season. I also hope he has some success in the Ryder Cup later in the year.
Phil Mickelson won the Tucson Open as an amateur in 1991. Any amateur winning an PGA event is impressive, but Verplank was not the first since 1956.