Steve Elkington

Steve Elkington is an Australian professional golfer known for his skill as a ball-striker and his achievements on the PGA Tour. Elkington moved to the United States to attend the University of Houston, where he played on the Cougar golf team that won national titles. He was the first prominent Australian to play college golf in the United States. After turning professional, Elkington earned his PGA Tour card as runner-up at the PGA Tour Qualifying School, beginning a career that established him among the top players in professional golf.

Elkington won a major title at the PGA Championship and is a two-time winner of "The Players Championship." His victory at the PGA Championship is noted for a final-round 64 that forced a sudden-death playoff against Colin Montgomerie, where Elkington secured the Wanamaker Trophy with a 20-foot birdie putt. He became the fourth Australian-born player to win the PGA Championship. In the same year, Elkington received the Vardon Trophy, awarded by the PGA of America to the tour player with the lowest scoring average.

Elkington is one of five players to win "The Players Championship" twice, with victories at TPC Sawgrass. He spent more than 50 weeks in the top 10 of the Official World Golf Ranking and recorded 10 top-10 finishes in major championships, including a tie for second at the PGA Championship at Baltusrol. Elkington represented the International Team in the first four editions of the Presidents Cup.

Throughout his career, Elkington managed health challenges, including allergies to grass, sinus surgeries, and bouts with viral meningitis, which led to absences from tournament play. Despite these obstacles, he remained competitive at the highest levels of professional golf for more than two decades.

Beyond his playing career, Elkington has contributed to golf media as the host of "The Rural Golfer" on RFD-TV and "Secret Golf with Steve Elkington" on CBS Sports Network. These shows follow Elkington and the Secret Golf team as they travel North America, exploring stories within the golf community. Elkington continues to be recognized for his influence in golf, both on and off the course.