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Craig David Parry (born 12 January 1966) is an Australian professional golfer. He has been one of Australia's premier golfers since turning professional in 1985, and has 23 career victories, two of those wins being events on the PGA Tour; the 2002 WGC-NEC Invitational and the 2004 Ford Championship at Doral.

Key Information

Career

[edit]

His first career victory came at the 1987 New South Wales Open and later that year won the Canadian TPC. In 1992 he won three of Australia's top four tournaments, placing first at the Australian PGA Championship, New South Wales Open and the Australian Masters, a tournament he has won three times (in 1992, 1994 and 1996).

Parry first came to the attention of American golf fans during the 1992 Masters Tournament. After finishing tied for 11th in the 1991 U.S. Open, he qualified for the following year's Masters. Parry shared the lead after 36 holes and took sole possession after the third round. However, on Sunday he faltered and finished the tourney tied for 13th.

He won six events on the European Tour, the latest being his play-off victory over fellow Australian Nick O'Hern at the 2005 Heineken Classic, an event which had been dominated by South African superstar Ernie Els the preceding three years. He played the European Tour on a regular basis from 1988 to 1991 and had two top-10 finishes on the Order of Merit: third in 1989 and fifth in 1991. From 1992 until 2006 he played mainly on the PGA Tour, while continuing to compete around the world. Since 2007 he has concentrated on playing the Japan Golf Tour and PGA Tour of Australasia. He has featured in the top 50 of the Official World Golf Ranking.

National team participation

[edit]

He has been an integral part of Australian national teams and has been a member of the International Team in three Presidents Cups: 1994, 1996, and 1998. He won the PGA Tour of Australasia's Order of Merit in 1995, 2002 and 2007.

Personal life

[edit]

Parry was born in Sunshine, Victoria. Parry is married with three children, and divides his time between Sydney and Orlando, Florida.

Professional wins (23)

[edit]

PGA Tour wins (2)

[edit]
Legend
World Golf Championships (1)
Other PGA Tour (1)
No. Date Tournament Winning score Margin of
victory 		Runner(s)-up
1 25 Aug 2002 WGC-NEC Invitational −16 (72-65-66-65=268) 4 strokes Australia Robert Allenby, United States Fred Funk
2 10 May 2004 Ford Championship at Doral −17 (71-65-67-68=271) Playoff United States Scott Verplank

PGA Tour playoff record (1–0)

No. Year Tournament Opponent Result
1 2004 Ford Championship at Doral United States Scott Verplank Won with eagle on first extra hole

Source:[2]

European Tour wins (6)

[edit]
Legend
World Golf Championships (1)
Other European Tour (5)
No. Date Tournament Winning score Margin of
victory 		Runner(s)-up
1 11 Jun 1989 Wang Four Stars −15 (67-71-66-69=273) Playoff Wales Ian Woosnam
2 27 Aug 1989 German Open −18 (66-70-66-64=266) Playoff England Mark James
3 19 May 1991 Lancia Martini Italian Open −9 (71-71-67-70=279) 1 stroke Wales Ian Woosnam
4 13 Jul 1991 Bell's Scottish Open −12 (65-67-69-67=268) 1 stroke Zimbabwe Mark McNulty
5 25 Aug 2002 WGC-NEC Invitational −16 (72-65-66-65=268) 4 strokes Australia Robert Allenby, United States Fred Funk
6 6 Feb 2005 Heineken Classic1 −14 (69-66-65-70=270) Playoff Australia Nick O'Hern

1Co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour of Australasia

European Tour playoff record (3–0)

No. Year Tournament Opponent Result
1 1989 Wang Four Stars Wales Ian Woosnam Won with birdie on first extra hole
2 1989 German Open England Mark James Won with par on second extra hole
3 2005 Heineken Classic Australia Nick O'Hern Won with birdie on fourth extra hole

PGA of Japan Tour wins (2)

[edit]
Legend
Flagship events (1)
Other PGA of Japan Tour (1)
No. Date Tournament Winning score Margin of
victory 		Runner(s)-up
1 16 Apr 1989 Bridgestone Aso Open −16 (67-69-70-66=272) 6 strokes Japan Yoshiyuki Isomura
2 5 Oct 1997 Japan Open Golf Championship +2 (73-73-70-70=286) 1 stroke Philippines Frankie Miñoza, Japan Seiki Okuda,
Japan Masashi Ozaki

Asian PGA Tour wins (1)

[edit]
No. Date Tournament Winning score Margin of
victory 		Runner-up
1 27 Apr 1997 Satelindo Indonesia Open −8 (67-70-74-69=280) 2 strokes South Africa Des Terblanche

PGA Tour of Australasia wins (12)

[edit]
Legend
Flagship events (1)
Other PGA Tour of Australasia (11)
No. Date Tournament Winning score Margin of
victory 		Runner(s)-up
1 26 Oct 1987 National Panasonic New South Wales Open +1 (65-71-74-79=289) 1 stroke Australia Wayne Riley
2 1 Mar 1992 CIG New South Wales Open (2) −7 (65-73-69-70=277) Playoff Australia Ken Trimble
3 22 Nov 1992 Ford Australian PGA Championship −15 (67-67-67-68=269) 3 strokes Australia Peter McWhinney
4 20 Feb 1994 Microsoft Australian Masters −10 (74-70-70-68=282) 3 strokes South Africa Ernie Els
5 26 Feb 1995 Canon Challenge −13 (69-69-72-65=275) 3 strokes Australia Wayne Smith
6 3 Dec 1995 Greg Norman's Holden Classic −16 (65-67-71-73=276) 1 stroke New Zealand Michael Campbell
7 18 Feb 1996 Ericsson Masters (2) −13 (71-66-71-71=279) 2 strokes Australia Bradley Hughes
8 21 Dec 1997 Schweppes Coolum Classic −12 (70-68-71-67=276) 3 strokes Australia Robert Allenby
9 21 Nov 1999 Ford South Australian Open −14 (70-70-70-64=274) 5 strokes Scotland Raymond Russell
10 13 Jan 2002 TelstraSaturn Hyundai New Zealand Open −11 (67-69-69-68=273) 5 strokes New Zealand Steven Alker, New Zealand Michael Campbell,
Australia Stephen Leaney
11 6 Feb 2005 Heineken Classic1 −14 (69-66-65-70=270) Playoff Australia Nick O'Hern
12 16 Dec 2007 MFS Australian Open −11 (74-64-70-69=277) 1 stroke Australia Won Joon Lee, Australia Nick O'Hern,
United States Brandt Snedeker

1Co-sanctioned by the European Tour

PGA Tour of Australasia playoff record (2–4)

No. Year Tournament Opponent(s) Result
1 1988 Australian Masters Australia Ian Baker-Finch, Australia Roger Mackay Baker-Finch won with birdie on first extra hole
2 1990 Australian Open United States John Morse Lost to par on first extra hole
3 1992 CIG New South Wales Open Australia Ken Trimble Won with par on third extra hole
4 2003 MasterCard Masters Australia Robert Allenby, Australia Jarrod Moseley,
Australia Adam Scott 		Allenby won with birdie on second extra hole
Moseley and Parry eliminated by birdie on first hole
5 2005 Heineken Classic Australia Nick O'Hern Won with birdie on fourth extra hole
6 2011 BMW New Zealand Open Australia Brad Kennedy Lost to birdie on first extra hole

Canadian Tour wins (1)

[edit]
No. Date Tournament Winning score Margin of
victory 		Runner-up
1 6 Sep 1987 Payless Canadian Tournament Players Championship −10 (65-71-72-66=274) Playoff United States John Cyboran

Other wins (1)

[edit]
No. Date Tournament Winning score Margin of
victory 		Runner-up
1 16 Feb 1992 Pyramid Australian Masters −9 (72-76-67-68=283) 3 strokes Australia Greg Norman

Results in major championships

[edit]
Tournament 1987 1988 1989
Masters Tournament
U.S. Open
The Open Championship CUT CUT
PGA Championship
Tournament 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
Masters Tournament CUT T13 T45 T30 T48
U.S. Open 46 T11 T33 T3 T25 T90 T43 T34
The Open Championship T22 8 T28 T59 T77 CUT CUT CUT CUT T4
PGA Championship T40 T43 T31 T19 CUT T65 CUT T71 CUT
Tournament 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Masters Tournament T25 T39 CUT T25
U.S. Open T37 CUT CUT T60 CUT CUT
The Open Championship T36 CUT T59 CUT CUT T70
PGA Championship CUT CUT CUT T55 CUT
  Top 10
  Did not play

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

Summary

[edit]
Tournament Wins 2nd 3rd Top-5 Top-10 Top-25 Events Cuts made
Masters Tournament 0 0 0 0 0 3 9 7
U.S. Open 0 0 1 1 1 3 14 10
The Open Championship 0 0 0 1 2 3 18 9
PGA Championship 0 0 0 0 0 1 14 7
Totals 0 0 1 2 3 10 55 33
  • Most consecutive cuts made – 17 (1990 U.S. Open – 1994 PGA)
  • Longest streak of top-10s – 1 (three times)

Results in The Players Championship

[edit]
Tournament 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
The Players Championship T61 T15 T6 CUT T14 CUT T53 T22 CUT 69
Tournament 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006
The Players Championship T22 T33 T57 CUT T13 T40 T22
  Top 10

CUT = missed the half-way cut
"T" indicates a tie for a place.

World Golf Championships

[edit]

Wins (1)

[edit]
Year Championship 54 holes Winning score Margin Runners-up
2002 WGC-NEC Invitational Tied for lead −16 (72-65-66-65=268) 4 strokes Australia Robert Allenby, United States Fred Funk

Results timeline

[edit]
Tournament 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Match Play R32 R64 R32 R64 R32
Championship T20 NT1 T49 T54 58 T73
Invitational T3 1 T64 T65 T58 79

1Cancelled due to 9/11

  Win
  Top 10
  Did not play

QF, R16, R32, R64 = Round in which player lost in match play
"T" = tied
NT = No Tournament

Team appearances

[edit]

Amateur

  • Nomura Cup (representing Australia): 1985 (winners)

Professional

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Craig Parry

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
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 A$207,404—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]
YearTournamentVenueDetails
1987Panasonic New South Wales OpenThe Lakes Golf Club, Sydney, AustraliaFirst professional win on the Tour.[3]
1992Ford Australian PGA ChampionshipConcord Golf Club, Sydney, Australia15-under 269; 3-shot win over Peter McWhinney.[11]
1992CIG New South Wales OpenNSW Golf Club, La Perouse, AustraliaWon in 3-hole playoff.[36]
1992Australian MastersHuntingdale Golf Club, Melbourne, AustraliaKey win in dominant season.[3]
1994Pyramid Australian MastersVictoria Golf Club, Melbourne, AustraliaBack-to-back Masters title.[3]
1995Canon ChallengeCranbourne Golf Club, Victoria, AustraliaOrder of Merit season opener.[3]
1995Greg Norman's Holden ClassicThe Lakes Golf Club, Sydney, Australia16-under 276; 1-shot win over Michael Campbell.[11]
1996Ericsson Australian MastersVictoria Golf Club, Melbourne, AustraliaThird Masters victory overall.[3]
1997Schweppes Coolum ClassicHyatt Regency Coolum, Queensland, AustraliaRegional event win.[3]
2002Telstra Hyundai New Zealand OpenParaparaumu Beach Golf Club, New Zealand11-under 273; 1-stroke win over three players tied for second.[11]
2005Heineken ClassicRoyal Melbourne Golf Club, Victoria, Australia14-under 270; playoff birdie on 4th extra hole vs. Nick O'Hern.[38]
2007MFS Australian OpenThe Australian Golf Club, Sydney, Australia11-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]
YearMasters TournamentU.S. OpenThe Open ChampionshipPGA Championship
1987DNPDNPCUTDNP
1988DNPDNPCUTDNP
1989DNPDNP8DNP
1990DNP46T22T40
1991DNPT118T43
1992T13T33T28DNP
1993T45T3T59T31
1994T30T25T77T19
1995DNPDNPDNPDNP
1996DNPT90DNPT65
1997DNPT43DNPDNP
1998DNPDNPDNPT71
1999T48T34T4DNP
2000T25T37T36DNP
2001DNPDNPDNPDNP
2002DNPDNPDNPCUT
2003T39DNPT59DNP
2004DNPT60DNPT55
2005T25DNPDNPDNP
2006DNPDNPDNPDNP
2007DNPDNPDNPDNP
2008DNPDNPT70DNP
2009–presentDNPDNPDNPDNP

Performance summary

Craig Parry competed in 37 major championships (the four main majors) throughout his career, making the cut in 34 of those events for a success rate of approximately 92%. He achieved three top-10 finishes, highlighting his competitive edge in select outings despite never securing a major victory.[46] His best performances came in the Open Championship, where he recorded two top-10 results: eighth in 1991 and tied for fourth in 1999, demonstrating particular strength on links courses. In the U.S. Open, Parry finished tied for third in 1993, his closest brush with a major podium. At the Masters Tournament, his top result was a tie for 13th in 1992, while in the PGA Championship, he peaked at tied for 19th in 1994. These outcomes underscore Parry's consistency in advancing to the weekend but also his missed opportunities to contend for titles against elite fields.[47] In the senior era (post-2016 on PGA Tour Champions), Parry's major participation was limited, with no top-10 results in senior majors. He attempted the 2017 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship but missed the cut, and focused more on regular Champions Tour events thereafter. As of November 2025, no additional senior major appearances are recorded.[7]

Other tournament results

The Players Championship

Craig Parry competed in The Players Championship, often regarded as golf's "fifth major," on 17 occasions spanning the 1990s and 2000s, securing invitations primarily through his full PGA Tour membership status following his two official PGA Tour victories in 2002 and 2004.[6][48] His strongest performance came in 1992, where he finished tied for sixth at 10-under-par 278 with rounds of 67-68-73-70, earning $62,550 and showcasing his precision around the demanding Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass. Parry's renowned short game, a hallmark of his career that compensated for occasional inconsistencies off the tee, proved particularly advantageous on Sawgrass's small, undulating greens and hazard-lined layout, allowing him to scramble effectively in contention.[48][49] In 2005, Parry opened impressively with a 4-under 68 in the first round, highlighted by an eagle on the par-5 11th hole after a precise approach shot. He reached tied for eighth after 54 holes at 7-under 209 but closed with a 9-over 81 to finish tied for 40th at +2 (290).[50][51] Parry's other appearances included a challenging 1999 edition, where he carded rounds of 75-73-73-80 for a total of 13-over-par 301, placing him outside the top 60 and earning $10,100 in prize money. His final start came in 2006, ending tied for 22nd.[52][48]

World Golf Championships

Craig Parry achieved significant success in the World Golf Championships (WGC) series during the early 2000s, securing two victories and making several other appearances as one of the top-ranked players outside the United States. His participation was enabled by strong world rankings, reaching No. 35 following his 2004 win (career high of 14 in 1992), which qualified him for these invitation-only elite events alongside major champions and leading international performers.[53] Parry's first WGC triumph came at the 2002 WGC-NEC Invitational held at Sahalee Country Club in Sammamish, Washington. Entering the final round three strokes behind leader Rory Sabbatini, Parry fired a bogey-free 65, highlighted by an eagle on the par-5 second hole and birdies on holes 3 and 4 to seize control, ultimately winning by four strokes over Robert Allenby and Fred Funk at 16-under-par 268. The field featured world No. 1 Tiger Woods, who finished fourth at 11-under after seeking a fourth consecutive NEC title, marking Parry's breakthrough PGA Tour victory after 15 years of trying.[25][54] His second WGC win occurred at the 2004 Ford Championship at Doral in Miami, Florida, where he defeated Scott Verplank in a playoff. Both players finished regulation at 17-under-par 271, but on the first extra hole—the par-4 18th—Parry holed a 176-yard 6-iron for eagle, securing the $900,000 prize and a Ford GT supercar valued at $140,000. Retief Goosen placed third at 16-under, underscoring Parry's ability to perform under pressure against a strong international field.[26][55] Beyond his wins, Parry competed in multiple WGC formats during his peak years. In the match-play discipline, he advanced to the second round of the 2005 WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship at La Costa Resort, defeating Tim Clark 1-up before losing 5-and-4 to Kirk Triplett; earlier, in 2001, he exited in the first round with a 7-and-6 defeat to Craig Stadler, and in 2003, he fell 2-and-1 to Brad Faxon in the opener. In stroke-play events, his best non-winning finish was a tie for 49th at the 2002 WGC-American Express Championship in Ireland, where he carded rounds of 68-71-74-71 for even-par 284. Parry also made the cut in the 2003 WGC-NEC Invitational but finished outside the top 20, reflecting consistent but not dominant performances in these high-stakes tournaments.[56][57]

International team appearances

Professional team events

Craig Parry represented the International team in the Presidents Cup on three occasions, in 1994 at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club, in 1996 at Royal Melbourne Golf Club, and in 1998 at the same venue.[58][59][60] His overall record across these events was 6 wins, 6 losses, and 0 halves in 12 matches.[61] In 1994, the U.S. team prevailed 20-12, with Parry contributing to the International side's efforts amid a competitive debut for the biennial competition.[59] The 1996 edition ended in a 15.5-14.5 U.S. victory, where Parry recorded a 1-2-0 mark, including a loss in foursomes and four-ball formats that highlighted the team's narrow defeat.[60] Parry's most notable performance came in 1998, when the International team secured its first-ever win by a 20.5-11.5 margin; he went 3-1-0, with standout partnerships in team play.[62] Paired with Japan's Shigeki Maruyama, Parry helped deliver a dramatic 1-up foursomes victory over Tiger Woods and Fred Couples on the second day, holing a 50-foot chip for birdie on the 18th at Royal Melbourne to seal the match.[63] Another highlight was his solo singles win over Justin Leonard, 5 and 3, contributing to the team's momentum in the home-nation triumph.[64] Beyond the Presidents Cup, Parry competed in the Alfred Dunhill Cup, a professional nations-based team event on the European Tour schedule from 1985 to 2000.[65] He represented Australia in multiple editions, including 1993, 1995, 1996, 1998, and 1999 at St Andrews, often alongside teammates like Steve Elkington and Peter O'Malley. In 1998, Australia's squad advanced to the semifinals before falling to South Africa, with Parry posting a 70 in key stroke-play rounds.[65] The 1999 event saw the Australian team, including Parry, reach the final but lose to Spain's Sergio García, Miguel Ángel Jiménez, and José María Olazábal.[66] These team appearances elevated Parry's global profile during his mid-career peak, fostering collaborations with stars like Ernie Els on the 1998 International squad and enhancing his reputation in high-stakes, multinational formats.[67] His contributions, particularly the 1998 Presidents Cup heroics, underscored Australia's growing influence in professional golf and boosted his visibility on both the PGA and European Tours.[68]

National team participation

Craig Parry represented Australia in national team competitions during both his amateur and professional careers, earning a total of nine caps across key events. As an amateur, Parry was selected for the Australian team in the Nomura Cup, the Asia-Pacific Amateur Team Championship, in 1983, 1984, and 1985.[3] In 1985, hosted at Royal Adelaide Golf Club, Australia claimed the title with a four-round total of 874, securing victory by 15 strokes over runner-up Chinese Taipei.[69] The previous year in 1983 at Nam Seoul Country Club in South Korea, the Australian squad finished second with a score of 876, seven strokes behind winners Chinese Taipei.[69] Turning professional in 1985, Parry continued to don the green and gold in prominent events. He competed in the Alfred Dunhill Cup, a team stroke-play tournament featuring national sides, on five occasions: 1993, 1995, 1996, 1998, and 1999.[3] In the 1998 edition at St Andrews, Scotland, Australia, with Parry alongside Stuart Appleby and Steve Elkington, advanced from the group stage, including a playoff win over South Korea, before falling in the semifinals to South Africa.[70] Parry's standout professional national team performance came in the 2002 World Cup of Golf at Vista Vallarta in Mexico, where he paired with Adam Scott. The duo posted a blistering second-round 67 to lead the field at 17-under par after 36 holes, showcasing Australia's strength in the better-ball and alternate-shot formats.[71] Australia ultimately tied for sixth in the final standings, behind winners Japan.

Personal life

Family and residence

Craig Parry has been married to Jenny Parry since the early years of his professional career. The couple has three children—April, Ryan, and Brendan—all born in the 1990s.[72] The family initially resided in Melbourne, Australia, during Parry's formative years as a professional golfer, before relocating to Sydney in the mid-1990s to accommodate his commitments on international tours. In Sydney, they lived in a prominent waterfront home in the suburb of Abbotsford overlooking the Parramatta River, which served as their primary base for over two decades until it was sold in 2019 for nearly A$10 million, setting a suburb record. Following the sale, the family relocated within Sydney to the Northern Beaches area.[73][74][75][76] Parry and his family have long divided their time between Australia and the United States, maintaining a residence in Orlando, Florida, to support his PGA Tour and Champions Tour schedules. Jenny Parry has been instrumental in family decisions related to his career, including his 2016 transition to the senior tour, where they planned joint travel during off-periods to balance professional and personal life.[58][17]

Other interests and contributions

Beyond his competitive playing career, Craig Parry has established himself as a prominent golf course designer and consultant in Australia, focusing on enhancing existing layouts through strategic renovations. In 2021, he was engaged by Coffs Harbour Golf Club to develop a comprehensive master plan for its 27-hole facility, aiming to improve playability and aesthetics while preserving the course's natural coastal features.[20] By 2023, Parry collaborated closely with the club's superintendent to implement key elements of the plan, including the redesign of several greens and the removal of select bunkers to enhance strategic elements and visual appeal.[77] The course was ranked #85 in Australia's Top 100 Public Access Courses for 2025.[78] Parry's design portfolio extends to multiple renovations across New South Wales, particularly on the North Coast and Northern Beaches regions, where he has left a distinctive mark on regional golf infrastructure. Recent projects include the reconstruction of the second and third greens at Teven Valley Golf Club, a nine-hole layout he fully designed; the development of a new 18th tee complex at Cromer Golf Club; renovations to the ninth and 18th greens at Wakehurst Golf Club; and the installation of an eco-friendly bunker on the 11th hole at Hawks Nest Golf Club, all completed in the lead-up to 2025.[22] His approach emphasizes sustainable improvements that elevate everyday play while accommodating elite competition, as seen in his role as an ambassador for Kooindah Waters Golf and Spa Resort, where he advises on ongoing enhancements.[79] Through these efforts, Parry has contributed significantly to the development of Australian golf by modernizing facilities and promoting accessible, high-quality courses.[76] In addition to design work, Parry has engaged in mentoring and media roles that support the growth of golf in Australia. He shares instructional insights through videos and interviews, such as demonstrating his low-trajectory "stinger" shot for windy conditions and outlining his practice routines, drawing from decades of professional experience.[80][81] In 2025, this extended to supporting junior development via the inaugural MDGC Craig Parry Junior Open at Mt Derrimut Golf Club, an event honoring his legacy and encouraging young players, with over 60 participants competing.[82] He has also appeared on podcasts and in features discussing Australian golf's evolution, providing guidance to emerging talents.[83] Parry's charitable contributions center on community events tied to his design projects, particularly benefiting emergency services. The Teven Valley Golf Club, under his design influence, hosts annual charity golf days for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, leveraging the course's unique Zoysia grass layout to raise funds through boutique nine-hole formats.[84] These initiatives align with his broader commitment to regional golf accessibility and support for local causes in New South Wales.[85]

References

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  5. Signature Shots: Craig Parry on the 18th at Doral - YouTube
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  7. Craig Parry PGA TOUR Champions Player Profile, Stats, Bio, Career
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  25. https://www.nytimes.com/2004/03/08/sports/golf-roundup-parry-wins-a-playoff-with-a-176-yard-eagle.html
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  35. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/122401439
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  76. Learn Craig Parry's 'stinger' for windy conditions - News.com.au
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  78. 2025 MDGC Craig Parry Junior Open Winners Announced - Instagram
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  80. Teven Charity Golf Day - Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service
  81. Teven Valley GC - The Travelling Golfer Australia
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