Mark Brooks (golfer)

2.1. Childhood and Education

Born on March 25, 1961, in Fort Worth, Texas, Mark Brooks grew up with a keen interest in golf. He pursued his higher education at the University of Texas at Austin, where he was a prominent member of the university's golf team. During his collegiate career, Brooks earned the distinction of being a three-time All-American, showcasing his exceptional talent and dedication to the sport. He stands 69 in ^{(175 cm)} tall and weighs 150 lb ^{(68 kg)}.

2.2. Amateur Wins

Brooks' amateur career was marked by several notable victories, demonstrating his potential as a future professional. His significant amateur wins include:

• 1978 Future Masters
• 1979 Trans-Mississippi Amateur
• 1981 Southern Amateur

3.1. Turning Professional and Early Years

Mark Brooks turned professional in 1983. His initial years on the PGA Tour involved gaining experience and refining his game. His breakthrough professional victory came in July 1988 at the Canon Sammy Davis Jr.-Greater Hartford Open, where he emerged victorious from a three-player playoff, marking his first PGA Tour title.

3.2. PGA Tour Career

Brooks' time on the PGA Tour was highlighted by a total of seven victories, including one major championship. He demonstrated a consistent ability to compete at the highest level of professional golf.

3.3. Other Professional Wins

In addition to his PGA Tour victories, Mark Brooks also secured three wins in other professional tournaments.

• Note: The 1993 Pebble Beach Invitational was shortened to 54 holes due to rain.

3.4. Major Championships and Key Tournament Results

Mark Brooks participated in all four major championships, with his most significant achievement being his victory at the 1996 PGA Championship. He also made notable appearances at The Players Championship.

3.5. Champions Tour Career

After turning 50 in 2011, Mark Brooks joined the PGA Tour Champions. He quickly found success, though a victory proved elusive in his early years on the tour. In June 2011, at the Principal Charity Classic, Brooks came close to his first win on the Champions Tour, but bogeys on his final two holes allowed Bob Gilder to secure a one-shot victory. This solo second-place finish was Brooks' best result on any tour since his runner-up performance at the 2001 U.S. Open. In August 2014, he again finished in solo second at the Boeing Classic, losing to Scott Dunlap in a sudden-death playoff with a birdie on the first extra hole.

Champions Tour playoff record (0-1):

3.6. Team Appearances

Mark Brooks also represented the United States in international team competitions. He was a member of the U.S. Presidents Cup team in 1996. The U.S. team, with a roster that included players like Fred Couples, David Duval, Scott Hoch, Tom Lehman, Justin Leonard, Davis Love III, Mark O'Meara, Phil Mickelson, Corey Pavin, Kenny Perry, and Steve Stricker, and captained by Arnold Palmer, emerged victorious with a final score of 16.5 to 15.5.

4.1. Golf Course Design

During his thirties, Mark Brooks began a second career in golf course design. He became a partner in the firm of Knott-Linn-Brooks House, based in Palo Alto, California. His first significant project in this field was the Southern Oaks Golf Club, located outside his hometown of Fort Worth, which officially opened in 1999.

4.2. Media and Other Activities

In 2015, Brooks joined Fox Sports as an on-course analyst, contributing to the network's coverage of the U.S. Open. He also co-hosts the "Fifteenth Club" radio show alongside Scotty Sayers, Ed Clements, and Ben Clements, discussing various golf-related topics.