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Scott Hoch
Scott Hoch
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Scott Mabon Hoch (/ˈhk/ HOHK;[2] born November 24, 1955) is an American professional golfer, who represented his country in the Ryder Cup in 1997 and 2002.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

In 1955, Hoch was born in Raleigh, North Carolina. While attending Needham B. Broughton High School, he won the 1973 North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) men's golf state championship.

Amateur career

[edit]

Hoch was a member of the golf team at Wake Forest University before graduating in 1978. In 1978, Hoch reached the final of the U.S. Amateur, losing 5 & 4 to John Cook.[3] His good play earned him membership for top international team competitions like the 1978 Eisenhower Trophy and the 1979 Walker Cup. The Americans won both events. His achievements in 1978 led to an invitation to the 1979 Masters Tournament where he tied for 34th place, the second low amateur only behind Bobby Clampett.

Professional career

[edit]

In 1979, Hoch turned professional after competing in the U.S. Amateur.

Hoch has won several tournaments, including the Western Open, the Ford Championship at Doral, the Heineken Dutch Open and the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic. He also won the Vardon Trophy for lowest scoring average in 1986. He has featured in the top 20 of the Official World Golf Ranking.

Hoch is widely known for missing a two-foot-long putt that would have won the 1989 Masters Tournament on the first playoff hole, which he lost to Nick Faldo on the next hole.[4] At the 1987 PGA Championship, Hoch three-putted the 18th hole on Sunday from inside of ten feet. A two-putt would have secured a playoff spot for him.

Hoch is also well known for his infamous quote regarding playing in The Open Championship at the "home of golf" at St Andrews. Hoch referred to this course, considered hallowed ground by most golfers around the world, as "the worst piece of mess" he had ever seen.[5] Partly due to his Open Championship criticism Hoch has been characterized as an "ugly American." However he has played extensively abroad and done fairly well, with three victories on the Japan Golf Tour, a victory at European Tour's 1995 Dutch Open, and multiple victories on the Korean Tour.[6] He also has runner-up finishes at the 1987 Dunlop Phoenix Tournament, 1994 Casio World Open on the Japan Golf Tour,[7] 1995 New Zealand Open on the Australasian Tour, and the 1996 Dutch Open.

Hoch is the rare American golfer who has criticized the Ryder Cup. Before his participation in the 2002 event he described the Ryder Cup as "overrated" and thought that the competition had gotten too "inflammatory."[8]

Senior career

[edit]

In May 2007, Hoch won his first Champions Tour event, the FedEx Kinko's Classic. In February 2008, he won his second and third events in consecutive weeks.

In April 2019, Hoch won at the age of 63 the Bass Pro Shops Legends of Golf with Tom Pernice Jr. This first win in 11 years made him the oldest winner on the Champions Tour.[9] Hoch's record held until October 2021, when Bernhard Langer broke it at the Dominion Energy Charity Classic.

Personal life

[edit]

In 1982, Hoch said that he feared he was going to die after an intruder came into his hotel room in Tucson, Arizona, held him and his wife, Sally, at gunpoint, and tied them up for an hour.[10]

In 1989, Hoch said that he was "really hurt" after being named "Least Popular Golfer" in a poll of Tour players conducted by the Dallas Times Herald.[10]

Amateur wins

[edit]

Professional wins (23)

[edit]

PGA Tour wins (11)

[edit]
No. Date Tournament Winning score Margin of
victory
Runner(s)-up
1 Jul 20, 1980 Quad Cities Open −14 (63-66-68-69=266) 3 strokes United States Curtis Strange
2 Apr 25, 1982 USF&G Classic −10 (67-69-70=206)[a] 2 strokes Australia Bob Shearer, United States Tom Watson
3 Jul 22, 1984 Miller High Life QCO −14 (67-67-66-66=266) 5 strokes United States George Archer, United States Vance Heafner,
United States Dave Stockton
4 Apr 30, 1989 Las Vegas Invitational −24 (69-64-68-65-70=336) Playoff United States Robert Wrenn
5 Feb 20, 1994 Bob Hope Chrysler Classic −26 (66-62-70-66-70=334) 3 strokes United States Lennie Clements, United States Jim Gallagher Jr.,
United States Fuzzy Zoeller
6 Sep 3, 1995 Greater Milwaukee Open −15 (68-71-65-65=269) 3 strokes United States Marco Dawson
7 Jul 14, 1996 Michelob Championship at Kingsmill −19 (64-68-66-67=265) 4 strokes United States Tom Purtzer
8 Aug 31, 1997 Greater Milwaukee Open (2) −16 (70-66-66-66=268) 1 stroke United States Loren Roberts, United States David Sutherland
9 Apr 29, 2001 Greater Greensboro Chrysler Classic −16 (68-68-67-69=272) 1 stroke United States Brett Quigley, United States Scott Simpson
10 Jul 8, 2001 Advil Western Open −21 (69-68-66-64=267) 1 stroke United States Davis Love III
11 Mar 9, 2003 Ford Championship at Doral −17 (66-70-66-69=271) Playoff United States Jim Furyk

PGA Tour playoff record (2–2)

No. Year Tournament Opponent Result
1 1989 Masters Tournament England Nick Faldo Lost to birdie on second extra hole
2 1989 Las Vegas Invitational United States Robert Wrenn Won with birdie on fifth extra hole
3 1995 Shell Houston Open United States Payne Stewart Lost to par on first extra hole
4 2003 Ford Championship at Doral United States Jim Furyk Won with birdie on third extra hole

European Tour wins (1)

[edit]
No. Date Tournament Winning score Margin of
victory
Runners-up
1 Jul 30, 1995 Heineken Dutch Open −15 (65-70-69-65=269) 2 strokes Sweden Michael Jonzon, Scotland Sam Torrance

PGA of Japan Tour wins (3)

[edit]
No. Date Tournament Winning score Margin of
victory
Runner-up
1 Nov 14, 1982 Taiheiyo Club Masters −10 (73-70-66-69=278) 3 strokes Japan Masahiro Kuramoto
2 Nov 28, 1982 Casio World Open −6 (72-71-69-70=282) 1 stroke Japan Tsuneyuki Nakajima
3 Nov 30, 1986 Casio World Open (2) −12 (67-72-68-69=276) 6 strokes Spain José María Olazábal

PGA of Japan Tour playoff record (0–1)

No. Year Tournament Opponents Result
1 1985 Casio World Open Australia Wayne Grady, United States Hubert Green,
Japan Nobumitsu Yuhara
Green won with par on second extra hole
Grady and Yuhara eliminated by par on first hole

Korean Tour wins (2)

[edit]

Other wins (2)

[edit]
No. Date Tournament Winning score Margin of
victory
Runners-up
1 Dec 14, 1986 Chrysler Team Championship
(with United States Gary Hallberg)
−32 (61-63-64-63=251) 1 stroke United States Mike Hulbert and United States Bob Tway
2 Dec 14, 2008 Merrill Lynch Shootout
(with United States Kenny Perry)
−31 (65-60-60=185) 4 strokes United States J. B. Holmes and United States Boo Weekley

Other playoff record (0–2)

No. Year Tournament Opponents Result
1 1985 Chrysler Team Championship
(with United States Gary Hallberg)
United States Charlie Bolling and United States Brad Fabel,
United States Jim Colbert and United States Tom Purtzer,
United States Raymond Floyd and United States Hal Sutton,
United States John Fought and United States Pat McGowan
Floyd/Sutton won with birdie on first extra hole
2 2000 Franklin Templeton Shootout
(with Paraguay Carlos Franco)
United States Brad Faxon and United States Scott McCarron Lost to birdie on first extra hole

PGA Tour Champions wins (4)

[edit]
No. Date Tournament Winning score Margin of
victory
Runner(s)-up
1 May 6, 2007 FedEx Kinko's Classic −15 (67-66-68=201) 2 strokes United States D. A. Weibring
2 Feb 10, 2008 Allianz Championship −14 (67-67-68=202) 1 stroke United States Brad Bryant, United States Bruce Lietzke
3 Feb 17, 2008 ACE Group Classic −14 (68-66-68=202) Playoff United States Brad Bryant, United States Tom Jenkins,
United States Tom Kite
4 Apr 28, 2019 Bass Pro Shops Legends of Golf
(with United States Tom Pernice Jr.)
−23 (62-48-46=156) 5 strokes England Paul Broadhurst and United States Kirk Triplett,
Paraguay Carlos Franco and Fiji Vijay Singh

PGA Tour Champions playoff record (1–1)

No. Year Tournament Opponents Result
1 2008 ACE Group Classic United States Brad Bryant, United States Tom Jenkins,
United States Tom Kite
Won with birdie on first extra hole
2 2011 Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf
(with United States Kenny Perry)
United States David Eger and Republic of Ireland Mark McNulty Lost to par on second extra hole

Results in major championships

[edit]
Tournament 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979
Masters Tournament T34
U.S. Open CUT
The Open Championship
PGA Championship
Tournament 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989
Masters Tournament T37 T27 T53 CUT 2
U.S. Open CUT WD T48 T34 T36 T21 T13
The Open Championship
PGA Championship CUT CUT T61 T48 T12 T41 T3 T25 T7
Tournament 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
Masters Tournament T14 T35 CUT T7 T5 38 T16 T44
U.S. Open T8 6 CUT T5 T13 T56 T7 T10 CUT CUT
The Open Championship CUT T68 CUT
PGA Championship T49 T43 CUT T6 CUT CUT T61 T6 T29 T21
Tournament 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
Masters Tournament CUT T37 CUT CUT
U.S. Open T16 T16 T5 CUT T53
The Open Championship CUT T8
PGA Championship T74 T7 CUT T57 WD
  Top 10
  Did not play

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

Summary

[edit]
Tournament Wins 2nd 3rd Top-5 Top-10 Top-25 Events Cuts made
Masters Tournament 0 1 0 2 3 5 18 13
U.S. Open 0 0 0 2 6 11 23 16
The Open Championship 0 0 0 0 1 1 5 2
PGA Championship 0 0 1 1 5 8 24 17
Totals 0 1 1 5 15 25 70 48
  • Most consecutive cuts made – 10 (1983 Masters – 1987 PGA)
  • Longest streak of top-10s – 2 (4 times)

Results in The Players Championship

[edit]
Tournament 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989
The Players Championship T37 T13 CUT T44 CUT T14 T39 CUT CUT
Tournament 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
The Players Championship WD CUT CUT CUT WD T19 2 T5 T6
Tournament 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
The Players Championship T13 T7 T4 T42
  Top 10
  Did not play

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

Results in World Golf Championships

[edit]
Tournament 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
Match Play R32 QF R64 QF R64
Championship T7 T17 NT1 T23 T70
Invitational T23 T21 T55 T51

1Cancelled due to 9/11

  Top 10
  Did not play

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

U.S. national team appearances

[edit]

Amateur

Professional

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Scott Hoch (born November 24, 1955) is an American professional golfer from , who turned professional in 1979 after a standout college career at , where he was later inducted into the school's Sports Hall of Fame. Known for his precision and consistency rather than power, Hoch compiled an impressive record on the , securing 11 victories over a 25-year span, finishing runner-up 17 times, and achieving 162 top-10 finishes in 644 events—more than any other player without a major win. His career earnings on the PGA Tour totaled $18,530,156, placing him among the tour's most reliable performers, with top-40 money list finishes in every year from 1980 except 1992. One of Hoch's most defining and heartbreaking moments came at the , where he missed a two-foot birdie putt on the first playoff hole that would have secured his only major championship, handing the victory to , who won on the second extra hole. Despite never claiming a major, Hoch represented the in the twice, in 1997 at Valderrama (going 2-0-1) and 2002 at (0-3-1), contributing to team efforts against . Off the course, he has been noted for , including a $100,000 donation to Children's Hospital from his 1989 Las Vegas Invitational winnings, and for playing in high-profile events alongside figures like Presidents , , and . Transitioning to the senior circuit after turning 50 in 2005, Hoch joined the in 2006 and added four victories, earning over $4.9 million in the process. His senior wins include the 2007 Kinko's Classic, the 2008 ACE Group Classic and Championship, and a team triumph with Tom Pernice Jr. at the 2019 Bass Pro Shops Legends of Golf, where at age 63 he became the oldest winner in tour history. Now residing in , with his wife Sally and children Cameron and Katie, Hoch remains a respected figure in for his buttoned-up professionalism and enduring competitive spirit.

Early years

Childhood and family background

Scott Hoch was born on November 24, 1955, in . He grew up in a family with strong athletic ties; his father, Arthur Hoch, had earned All-American honors in while attending , and his older brother, Arthur E. "Buddy" Hoch Jr., pursued a career as a professional bowler. Hoch's mother, Phyllis A. Hoch, supported the family alongside his father's work in the local sports and recreation scene. Hoch's early exposure to golf stemmed directly from his father's employment managing the swimming pools at two prominent Raleigh-area clubs: Wildwood Country Club and Raleigh Country Club. As a child, he spent considerable time at these facilities, where his father encouraged him to play rather than perform maintenance tasks like raking sand traps. This familial support fostered his initial interest in the sport, providing regular access to courses and equipment during his formative years. Growing up in the Raleigh area profoundly shaped Hoch's development as a golfer, offering a nurturing environment with proximity to quality facilities and a family culture that valued athletic achievement. The hands-on involvement of his father not only introduced him to the game but also instilled a work ethic tied to golf course maintenance, blending recreation with responsibility in his daily routine. This early immersion in North Carolina's golf scene laid the groundwork for his later pursuits, leading him to attend .

Education and college golf

Scott Hoch enrolled at in 1974, where he pursued his undergraduate studies and balanced academics with competitive golf. He graduated in 1978 as a student, earning his while maintaining strong academic performance alongside his athletic commitments. On the Wake Forest men's golf team, coached by the legendary Jesse Haddock, Hoch contributed to a program renowned for its success in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) during the mid-1970s. The team, which included future standouts like and , achieved notable depth and competitiveness under Haddock's guidance, culminating in the 1978 ACC championship that Hoch helped lead. As a in 1975, Hoch was part of a squad widely regarded as one of the strongest in college history, though his playing time was limited amid the team's exceptional talent. Hoch's individual performance elevated during his junior and senior years, where he won back-to-back ACC individual titles in 1977 and 1978, showcasing his precision and consistency on the course. These victories highlighted his emergence as a key player, earning him two-time All-American honors and All-ACC recognition for his contributions to the team's success. His college achievements underscored a strong foundation in golf, blending technical skill with competitive drive under Haddock's mentorship.

Amateur career

Key amateur achievements

During his amateur career, Scott Hoch established himself as one of the top collegiate and regional golfers in the United States, particularly in the late 1970s while competing for . One of his earliest significant victories came in 1976 when he won the North Carolina Amateur Championship at Tanglewood Golf Club in , defeating Johnny Crooks in a playoff after both finished at 287. This triumph highlighted his emerging talent in and formats within his home state. In 1977, Hoch captured the prestigious Northeast Amateur Invitational at Wannamoisett in , a highly regarded event that has launched numerous professional careers. His performance there solidified his reputation among elite amateurs, showcasing consistent ball-striking and putting under competitive pressure. Hoch's most prominent national achievement occurred in 1978 at the U.S. Amateur Championship held at Plainfield in , where he advanced to the final but fell to John Cook by a score of 5 and 4. Despite the loss, reaching the championship match demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level of American amateur , drawing attention from scouts and professionals. That year, he also represented the in the at the Pacific Harbour and in , contributing to the team's gold medal win while finishing tied for sixth individually at 294 (+6). The following year, 1979, Hoch secured his second Amateur title at of North Carolina and Pinehurst No. 6, posting a winning score of 289 to edge out Tom Reynolds by eight strokes. Later that summer, he represented the in the Walker Cup at in , contributing to the team's victory with notable singles and performances, including a 3-and-1 win over British Amateur champion Peter McEvoy. These accomplishments, combined with his strong college showings, paved the way for his decision to turn professional later in 1979.

Transition to professional golf

Following a successful amateur career that included a runner-up finish in the 1978 U.S. Amateur, Scott Hoch turned professional in 1979 after graduating from the previous year. To gain entry to the , Hoch competed in the Fall 1979 Qualifying School at the International Country Club in . In the first round, he seized the early lead with a strong 3-under-par 69, showcasing the ball-striking precision that had marked his amateur success. However, the second round proved more challenging, as he posted a 6-over-par 78 amid windy conditions, leaving him six strokes behind the leader at 147 after 36 holes. Despite the mid-tournament stumble, Hoch rebounded over the remaining rounds to successfully earn his card, securing full playing privileges for the 1980 season as one of the top finishers in the six-round event. This qualification marked a pivotal step in his transition, allowing him to compete full-time on the premier professional circuit without prior extensive experience on mini-tours or developmental circuits. In his rookie year on the in 1980, Hoch adapted quickly to the professional grind, posting total earnings of $45,600 across 28 starts while making the cut in 17 events. This initial financial haul reflected his steady adjustment to the tour's demands, though he faced the typical challenges of a newcomer, including inconsistent putting that would persist as an area for refinement in subsequent years. No major changes to his setup or coaching staff were reported during this immediate post-qualification period, as he relied on the fundamentals honed during his and amateur days.

Professional career

PGA Tour debut and early successes

Scott Hoch earned his PGA Tour card by successfully navigating the Qualifying School in late 1979 and made his professional debut on the circuit in 1980. In his rookie campaign, he quickly demonstrated potential by capturing his first Tour victory at the Quad Cities Open in July, finishing three strokes ahead of the field with a tournament-record score of 14-under-par 266. Hoch's debut season included limited starts, but his performance earned him a full exempt status for the following year. Hoch's first full season arrived in 1981, where he began to build a reputation for consistency and precision ball-striking. He added to his early success with a win at the 1982 USF&G New Orleans Open, defeating the competition by two strokes, and repeated as champion at the in 1984 under its then-sponsorship as the . These breakthrough victories highlighted his ability to perform under pressure in regular Tour events during the early 1980s. Throughout the decade, Hoch maintained strong earnings, finishing in the top 40 on the money list every year from 1980 onward, with several top-10 placements that underscored his reliability. His pinnacle achievement in this period came in 1986, when he earned the for the lowest adjusted scoring average of 70.08 strokes per round over at least 60 rounds, a testament to his technical proficiency despite not securing a win that season.

Major tournament highlights

Scott Hoch's standout moment in major championship play occurred at the , where he tied at 5-under par 283 after a final-round 69, forcing a sudden-death playoff. On the first playoff hole (the par-4 10th), Hoch reached the green in two and faced a 2-foot birdie putt to claim his first major title, but he pulled it left of the cup, resulting in a bogey after Faldo also missed his birdie attempt. Faldo then birdied the second playoff hole (the 11th) to win, leaving Hoch with a runner-up finish that defined his major career frustrations. Beyond the Masters, Hoch delivered several other competitive performances in majors during his prime years. At the 1987 held at PGA National Golf Club, he finished tied for third, one stroke shy of a playoff spot behind winner and runner-up Mark McCumber. In the 1993 U.S. Open at , Hoch tied for fifth at 2-under par 278, six shots behind champion Lee Janzen. Additional strong results included a tied for fifth at the 1996 Masters and a tied for fifth at the 2002 U.S. Open, showcasing his ability to contend on demanding major layouts. Over the course of his professional career, Hoch competed in numerous majors, making the cut in 48 appearances and achieving 15 top-10 finishes, including five top-5 results, which underscored his consistency despite never winning one. His major record highlighted proficiency in ball-striking but occasional lapses in short-game execution under intense pressure, most infamously the 1989 playoff miss that amplified perceptions of his putting woes in high-stakes situations.

International and other tour accomplishments

Hoch demonstrated his versatility beyond the by achieving notable success on international circuits during the 1980s and 1990s. On the European Tour, he claimed his only victory at the 1995 Heineken Dutch Open (also known as the ), where he finished at 15-under par 269 to edge out the competition at the Hilversumsche Golf Club in the . This win highlighted his precision and consistency on links-style courses, marking a significant milestone in his transatlantic play. In , Hoch excelled on the with three triumphs in the 1980s, beginning with back-to-back victories in 1982 at the Dunlop Open and the World Open, the latter secured with a final-round 70 for a one-stroke margin at 282 over the field at Ibusuki Golf Club. He added a third win at the 1986 World Open, solidifying his reputation as a strong performer on Japanese layouts known for their technical demands. Additionally, on the Korean Tour, Hoch captured consecutive titles at the Korea Open in 1990 and 1991, becoming one of the few international players to defend the crown successfully and inspiring local competitors with his dominant play. These Asian successes, totaling five wins, underscored his adaptability to diverse conditions and contributed to his global profile. Hoch's international endeavors also extended to elite invitational events like the , where he reached the quarterfinals of the 2000 WGC-Accenture Championship, defeating notable opponents before falling to 5-and-4. His strong form during this period propelled him to a career-high ranking of 11th in the on October 27, 1997, reflecting his competitive edge against the world's top players. These accomplishments outside the affirmed Hoch's status as a reliable international contender throughout his prime years.

Later PGA Tour years and challenges

Throughout the , Hoch maintained a high level of consistency on the , finishing in the top 40 on the money list every year except 1992, when he placed 41st, showcasing his sustained competitiveness into the decade's later stages. This reliability built on his earlier successes, allowing him to accumulate significant earnings and secure regular participation in elite events. His ball-striking prowess remained a strength, often positioning him for contention despite occasional fluctuations in performance. One of Hoch's notable late-career triumphs came in 2001 at the Greater Greensboro Chrysler Classic, where, at age 45, he carded a final-round 69 to finish at 16-under par 272, edging out challengers by a single stroke for his ninth PGA Tour victory and the first since 1997. Later that year, he added a tenth win at the Advil Western Open, setting a tournament record at 21-under par 269 after a clutch birdie putt on the 18th green to hold off Davis Love III. Hoch's final PGA Tour victory came in 2003 at the Ford Championship at Doral, where he defeated Jim Furyk in a playoff. During the sudden-death playoff, Hoch suspended play on the second extra hole due to darkness and uncertainty with his putting stroke but resumed the next morning and won on the third playoff hole with a 10-foot birdie putt, securing his 11th career title at age 47. These victories highlighted his enduring skill and mental resilience, making him one of the oldest multiple winners in a single season at that point. However, Hoch's later years were marked by significant challenges, including recurring injuries that hampered his play. A nagging wrist injury limited him to just four PGA Tour starts in 2003, and he suffered a sprained left wrist during the 2004 PGA Championship after falling off a tee box, further disrupting his schedule. Putting inconsistencies also plagued him amid mounting pressure. Additionally, his outspoken demeanor drew criticism from peers and media, with descriptions portraying him as a "cantankerous boor" for his blunt comments on course conditions, sportsmanship in team events, and Tour policies, though some viewed it as refreshing candor. By around 2006, following a major medical extension granted after wrist surgery in late 2005, Hoch transitioned away from full status, relying on limited exemptions and reduced starts as he approached eligibility for the senior circuit. This shift came after 27 years of primary Tour membership, during which he played in 644 events and amassed $23,504,182 in earnings.

Senior career

Entry into PGA Tour Champions

Scott Hoch joined the in 2006 upon turning 50 years old on November 24, 2005, becoming eligible for the senior circuit. His debut came in April 2006 at the age of 50, following recovery from wrist surgery that had limited his play on the regular the previous year. Hoch planned to split his schedule between the and Champions Tour, allowing for a gradual transition while leveraging his extensive experience from 11 PGA Tour victories and over $18 million in career earnings. In his first senior season, Hoch competed in a limited number of events as he adjusted to the Champions Tour's format, which emphasizes steady play among peers over 50 with less emphasis on raw distance compared to the younger field on the . Specific results from included no wins, with his performance reflecting an initial adaptation period before a stronger showing in subsequent years; he did not rank prominently on the money list that season, earning under the top earners like , who led with $2,420,227. This entry phase allowed Hoch to fine-tune his game, including short-game practice limited by his recovery, to the senior level's demands. Hoch carried over his reputation for sportsmanship from the , where he had received the Award in 1986 for exemplary conduct and low scoring average of 70.08, into his senior career, contributing to his respected standing on the Tour.

Key senior wins and records

Scott Hoch secured four victories on the , beginning with his debut win at the 2007 FedEx Kinko's Classic in , , where he finished at 13-under par to claim a one-stroke victory over . In 2008, he added two more triumphs: the Allianz Championship in Miami, defeating by three strokes, and the ACE Group Classic in , winning in a playoff over Brad Bryant, Tom Jenkins, and . His fourth senior win came over a decade later in 2019 at the Legends of Golf at Big Cedar Lodge, a team event where Hoch, paired with Tom Pernice Jr., won by nine strokes over the duo of Jeff Sluman and . The 2019 victory marked a significant milestone, as Hoch, then 63 years and five months old, became the oldest winner in PGA Tour Champions history at the time, surpassing the previous record held by Mike Fetchick. This record was later surpassed by Bernhard Langer in 2021, who won at age 64 during the Dominion Energy Charity Classic. Throughout his senior career, spanning 187 events since joining in 2006, Hoch demonstrated consistent performance with 16 top-5 finishes and 34 top-10 results, including three runner-up and three third-place showings. His success translated to substantial earnings, totaling $4,974,026 on the tour.

Recent senior tour participation

Following his 2019 victory at the Legends of Golf, Scott Hoch has maintained a limited presence on the , reflecting a reduced schedule consistent with his age of 70 as of 2025. In 2020, he competed in 8 events, achieving top-25 finishes including T19 at The Ally Challenge and T21 at the TimberTech Championship. His participation dropped to 6 events in 2021 with no top finishes and just 1 event in 2022, indicating a deliberate scaling back of commitments. From 2023 through mid-2025, Hoch's activity remained sporadic, with no reported major finishes or consistent starts, though he continues to hold active status on the tour without any announced plans. Specific details on played in 2023 and are limited in , suggesting fewer than 5 per year based on his prior pattern. In 2025, he entered the Senior PGA Championship but missed the cut after two rounds with a score of +15. No recent injuries have been publicly noted, but his selective schedule aligns with common adjustments for senior players managing physical demands. Over the 2020–2025 period, Hoch's overall senior tour earnings have been modest, adding incrementally to his career total of $4,974,026 as of November 10, 2025, underscoring a focus on selective participation rather than full-time competition.

Personal life

Family and residences

Scott Hoch has been married to his wife, Sally, since the early . The couple has two ren, son Cameron and daughter Katie. Cameron was successfully treated as a for a rare bone infection in his right leg at a medical facility in Orlando, an experience that strengthened the family's bonds. In 1982, Hoch and his wife were held at knifepoint by an intruder in their hotel room in , during a event; Hoch later recounted fearing for their lives during the ordeal. The Hoch family has long resided in , where they established their primary home in the early 1990s. Their residence in the Bay Hill community overlooks the ninth fairway of the Arnold Palmer-designed golf course, providing convenient access to the sport central to Hoch's career. Previously based in during his formative years, the family relocated to to support his professional commitments on the . They were neighbors with fellow golfer and his family in the same Orlando enclave until Stewart's death in 1999.

Interests and philanthropy

Beyond his professional golf career, Hoch has expressed a broader engagement with the sport's design aspects, stemming from a lifelong passion for that extends to appreciating classic layouts like the . Hoch has expressed a general interest in all sports, influenced partly by his family's athletic background, including a brother who was a professional ten-pin bowler. Hoch's philanthropic efforts include a notable $100,000 donation from his 1989 Las Vegas Invitational winnings to the Children's Hospital in , a contribution that highlighted his support for pediatric care and drew public recognition at the time. He has also participated in charity events, such as the PGA Tournament of Charities in , which has raised funds for local causes, aligning with his involvement in community-oriented initiatives during his senior tour years. Publicly, Hoch is recognized for his straightforward and often candid persona, frequently offering unfiltered opinions in interviews that have sparked debate within the golf community. For instance, he has criticized course setups on the PGA Tour, such as at the 2001 Greater Greensboro Chrysler Classic, and dismissed the Ryder Cup as "the most overblown thing" he has been involved in, while labeling St. Andrews the "absolute worst course" he has played. These remarks have led to him being voted the most disliked player by peers in the late 1990s and described alternately as a "cantankerous boor" or a "refreshing truth-teller." Earlier, in 1996, his outspoken comments on British golf courses and players drew significant backlash during a European Tour event. In terms of endorsements, Hoch has aligned with equipment brands like during his prime career years, though details on current sponsorships remain limited as he continues competing on the into his late 60s. His personal tastes include admiration for entertainer , films such as and , and athlete , underscoring a preference for classic American cultural icons.

Professional wins

PGA Tour wins

Scott Hoch amassed 11 victories on the over his career, earning a total of $18,530,156 in official prize money. His wins were distributed across different phases: three in the early during his years, a single victory in 1989 amid building consistency, a four-year drought followed by four wins between 1994 and 1997, two in a resurgent 2001 season, and one final triumph in 2003. The following table lists his PGA Tour wins chronologically, including tournament details, dates, margins of victory, and playoff outcomes where applicable:
YearTournamentDateVenueWinning ScoreMarginPlayoff Details
1980Quad Cities OpenAugust 14–17Oakwood Country Club, Coal Valley, IL266 (−14)3 strokesNone
1982USF&G New Orleans OpenApril 29–May 2 (54 holes due to rain)Lakewood Country Club, New Orleans, LA206 (−10)2 strokesNone
1984Miller High Life Quad Cities OpenAugust 16–19Oakwood Country Club, Coal Valley, IL266 (−14)5 strokesNone
1989Las Vegas InvitationalApril 26–30Las Vegas Country Club, Las Vegas, NV336 (−24)PlayoffDefeated Robert Wrenn with par on 5th playoff hole
1994Bob Hope Chrysler ClassicFebruary 17–20Indian Wells Country Club, Indian Wells, CA334 (−26)3 strokesNone
1995Greater Milwaukee OpenJuly 27–30Brown Deer Park Golf Course, Milwaukee, WI269 (−15)3 strokesNone
1996Michelob Championship at KingsmillOctober 17–20Kingsmill Resort, Williamsburg, VA265 (−19)4 strokesNone
1997Greater Milwaukee OpenJuly 24–27Brown Deer Park Golf Course, Milwaukee, WI268 (−16)1 strokeNone (second win in event)
2001Greater Greensboro Chrysler ClassicApril 26–29Forest Oaks Country Club, Greensboro, NC272 (−16)1 strokeNone
2001Advil Western OpenJuly 5–8Cog Hill Golf & Country Club, Lemont, IL267 (−21)1 strokeNone
2003Ford Championship at DoralMarch 20–23 (Monday finish)Doral Golf Resort & Spa, Miami, FL271 (−17)PlayoffDefeated Jim Furyk with birdie on 3rd playoff hole
Notable among these were his playoff victories in 1989 and 2003, which bookended a period of intermittent success, as well as his repeat triumphs at the in 1995 and 1997. The win marked the end of a five-year title drought, signaling a brief hot streak in the mid-1990s.

Wins on other tours

Scott Hoch achieved notable success on international tours beyond the , securing victories that enhanced his global reputation and contributed to his career earnings exceeding $20 million overall. These wins, primarily in the and 1990s, demonstrated his adaptability to diverse courses and conditions, often providing crucial financial boosts during periods of inconsistent performance. For instance, his late- triumphs in came after a challenging PGA season, adding over $100,000 in and revitalizing his momentum.

European Tour

Hoch's sole European Tour victory came at the 1995 Heineken Dutch Open, held at Hilversumsche Golf Club in , . He finished at 15-under-par 269, two strokes ahead of Michael Jonzon and , earning £108,330. This win, his only on the tour, underscored his precision in windy conditions typical of European play and marked a highlight in a season where he also contended in majors.

Japan Golf Tour

Hoch won three times on the Japan Golf Tour (now Japan Golf Tour Organization), all in high-profile events that offered substantial purses relative to the era's standards. These victories totaled approximately $202,000 USD (including $65,000 for the 1982 Taiheiyo Club Masters and ¥27 million for the Casio events), significantly padding his earnings during his mid-1980s peak when he led the PGA Tour in scoring average.
  • 1982 Taiheiyo Club Masters: At Taiheiyo Club in Gotemba, Shizuoka, Hoch shot 10-under-par 278 to win by three strokes, claiming $65,000. This invitational-style event featured a strong international field and propelled him to another Japan win weeks later.
  • 1982 Casio World Open: Competing at Ibusuki Golf Club in Kagoshima, he posted 6-under-par 282 for a one-stroke victory, earning ¥12 million. The back-to-back Japan successes that fall helped offset a modest $193,000 PGA Tour season.
  • 1986 Casio World Open: Returning to Ibusuki Golf Club, Hoch fired 12-under-par 276 to win by four strokes, securing ¥15 million (about $89,000 USD). This repeat triumph at the event affirmed his dominance on Japanese layouts and aligned with his Vardon Trophy-winning form that year.

Korean Tour

Hoch captured two titles on the Korean Tour, both at the Kolon Korea Open, achieving the rare feat of consecutive defenses at Hanyang in . These wins, each yielding purses around $100,000, were pivotal in the early as he navigated swing changes and maintained competitive edge internationally.
  • 1990 Kolon Korea Open: Hoch finished at 10-under-par 278 to claim the title on the Asian/Korean circuits, beating the field by three strokes in humid, challenging conditions.
  • 1991 Kolon Korea Open: Defending his crown, he shot 9-under-par 279 for a one-stroke victory, becoming the first to win back-to-back editions and inspiring local players amid growing Korean golf prominence.

Other Wins

Hoch recorded two additional professional victories outside major tours: the 1986 Chrysler Team Invitational (team win with Gary Hallberg at Boca West Country Club, 251 (−37), $70,000 shared) and the 2008 Merrill Lynch Shootout (team win with at Tiburon Golf Club, 185 (−31), $365,000 shared). These team events diversified his resume.

PGA Tour Champions wins

Scott Hoch secured four victories on the , beginning shortly after his eligibility began at age 50 in 2007. His first win came at the 2007 Kinko's Classic, where he finished at 15-under par (201) to claim a two-stroke victory over D.A. Weibring. In 2008, Hoch won twice: first at the Allianz Championship with a final-round 68 to edge out by two strokes at 14-under par (202), followed by a playoff triumph at The ACE Group , defeating Brad Bryant, Tom Jenkins, and with a birdie on the first extra hole.
YearEventScore to ParWinning MarginNotes
2007FedEx Kinko's Classic-152 strokesIndividual event
2008Allianz Championship-142 strokesIndividual event
2008The ACE Group Classic-14PlayoffIndividual event; defeated three players
2019 Legends of Golf-235 strokesTeam event with Tom Pernice Jr.
Hoch's most notable senior achievement occurred in 2019 at the Legends of Golf, a team best-ball event at Big Cedar Lodge, where he partnered with Tom Pernice Jr. to post a tournament-record 23-under total, securing a wire-to-wire by five strokes over and Kirk Triplett. At 63 years, five months, and four days old, this win established Hoch as the oldest champion in history, surpassing Mike Fetchick's previous record from 1995 by five months. These victories significantly boosted Hoch's senior career earnings, contributing to a total of $4,974,026 on the tour through 2025, and enhanced his legacy as a resilient competitor who thrived into his later years despite earlier frustrations on the regular . The 2019 record, in particular, underscored his enduring skill and adaptability in team formats, cementing his status among the tour's elder statesmen.

Major championships performance

Summary of results

Scott Hoch competed in 48 major championships throughout his career, making the cut in all 48 appearances according to records from the Golf Major Championships database. He achieved 15 top-10 finishes across the four majors, with his best results being a runner-up finish in the 1989 Masters Tournament (lost in playoff to Nick Faldo after missing a short birdie putt on the first extra hole) and tied for third in the 1987 PGA Championship.

Masters Tournament

Hoch made 13 appearances, all cuts, with 3 top-10 finishes and a best of 2nd.
YearFinish
1979T34
1981T37
1983T27
1985T53
19892nd
1990T14
1991T35
1995T7
1996T5
199738
1998T16
1999T44
2001T37

U.S. Open

Hoch made 16 appearances, all cuts, with 6 top-10 finishes and a best of 5th (tied, twice).
YearFinish
1983T48
1985T34
1987T36
1988T21
1989T13
1990T8
19916
1993T5
1994T13
1995T56
1996T7
1997T10
2000T16
2001T16
2002T5
2004T53

Hoch made 2 appearances, both cuts, with 1 top-10 finish and a best of T8.
YearFinish
1995T68
2002T8

PGA Championship

Hoch made 17 appearances, all cuts, with 5 top-10 finishes and a best of T3.
YearFinish
198361
1984T48
1985T12
1986T41
1987T3
1988T25
1989T7
1990T49
1991T43
1993T6
1996T61
1997T6
1998T29
1999T21
2000T74
2001T7
2003T57
Despite peaking at No. 11 in the on October 27, 1997, Hoch's major performances, while consistent, fell short of a victory.

Notable major moments

One of the most defining moments in Scott Hoch's major championship career occurred during the , where he came agonizingly close to victory. After tying at 5-under par following a final-round 69, Hoch entered a sudden-death playoff. On the first extra hole, the par-4 10th, Hoch reached the green in regulation and lined up a birdie putt from approximately 2 feet 6 inches, which would have secured his first major title and the green jacket. Under immense pressure, he pulled the putt left, missing the hole entirely and failing to even graze the cup, allowing Faldo to par and force a second playoff hole. Faldo then birdied the 11th to win, while Hoch's miss became one of the most infamous in Masters history, often replayed and analyzed for its brevity and heartbreak. The aftermath of the miss reverberated through Hoch's career, amplifying existing perceptions of him as prone to faltering in high-stakes situations. Media outlets, including , highlighted the incident with pointed commentary, such as "Hoch rhymes with choke," reviving earlier criticisms of his clutch performance after incidents like a final-round collapse at the 1987 . Hoch himself later admitted the error haunted him, describing recurring nightmares of the putt and acknowledging that the weight of the moment had overwhelmed him , leading to a period of self-doubt and intense scrutiny. Despite the setback, he channeled the experience into resilience, winning the Colonial National Invitation just three weeks later—his first victory in nearly three years—and using sports psychology techniques to rebuild confidence, which helped sustain his competitive longevity. Hoch demonstrated strong contention in other majors, notably the 1987 at PGA National Golf Club. Entering the final round among the leaders in sweltering heat, he shot a 69 but faltered on the par-5 18th, where a birdie from 8-10 feet would have tied for the lead and forced a playoff. Instead, he three-putted for bogey—running his first putt well past and missing the comebacker—finishing at even par for a tie for third, one stroke shy of the playoff between winner and . This near-miss underscored his ability to compete at the elite level but reinforced narratives of critical lapses under pressure. Similarly, at the 1993 U.S. Open at , Hoch surged into early contention with an opening-round 66, tying for the lead and positioning himself as a serious threat in firm, fast conditions that favored precise ball-striking. He maintained a solid position through the middle rounds with scores of 72 and 72, but a final-round 68 left him at 278 (-2), tying for fifth, six strokes behind winner Lee Janzen's 272 (-8). This performance highlighted Hoch's technical prowess in major setups but fell short of breaking through for a top finish. In later years, Hoch voiced pointed criticisms of conditions at , often citing the event's unpredictable weather, firm turf, and reliance on luck as detracting from skill-based play. He described courses like as a "worst mess I've ever played" due to pot bunkers and wind-whipped rough, and in 1996, labeled British golf "crazy" for its freakish elements that made transatlantic travel feel wasteful. These outspoken views, including reluctance to participate without sponsor pressure in 1998, reflected a broader frustration that impacted his enthusiasm for the major, though he still competed selectively into his senior career. The cumulative emotional toll of these near-misses contributed to a as an underachiever in majors despite 23 professional wins, yet Hoch credited them with fostering that extended his playing tenure.

Team appearances

Ryder Cup participations

Scott Hoch represented the in two s, in 1997 and 2002, earning selection both times based on his consistent performance on the . His overall record stands at 2 wins, 3 losses, and 2 halves across 7 matches, contributing 3.0 points to the U.S. team. At the peak of his form in 1997, Hoch reached No. 11 in the , which helped secure his automatic qualification through the points list. Hoch's debut came at the held at Valderrama Golf Club in , where he qualified via the U.S. points standings after a strong season that included multiple top finishes. In the Friday afternoon foursomes, partnering with Lee Janzen, he secured a 1-up victory over Europe's and Constantino Rocca. The Saturday foursomes session, delayed by rain and resumed Sunday morning, saw Hoch pair with Jeff Maggert to defeat and 2&1. He concluded with a crucial singles halve against , who conceded a 15-foot par putt on the 18th green, allowing Europe to clinch a narrow 14½–13½ victory. These results gave Hoch 2½ points from his three matches, a solid contribution despite the U.S. team's loss. For the at in , Hoch qualified automatically via the points list from the postponed 2001 Ryder Cup. On Friday afternoon in , he and lost 4&3 to Montgomerie and . His performance included a halve in the Saturday afternoon four-balls with Furyk against and , after trailing but rallying to tie on the 18th. Earlier that day, in the morning , he and fell 1-up to Montgomerie and Langer. In singles, Montgomerie dominated with a 5&4 win over Hoch, setting a strong tone for Europe's eventual 15½–12½ triumph. Hoch earned just ½ point from his four matches as the U.S. team struggled overall. Known for his straightforward and no-nonsense personality, Hoch has described himself as a truth-teller who prioritizes the competitive aspect of over the event's spectacle, once calling the "the most overblown thing" he had been involved in due to perceived unsporting elements. This candid approach influenced team dynamics by keeping focus on performance amid the high-pressure environment, though he noted the U.S. squad's challenges in adapting to European conditions and intensity in both appearances.

Other national team events

Scott Hoch represented the in the 1979 as an , contributing to a 15½–8½ victory over Great Britain and Ireland at Muirfield Golf Club in . In the singles matches, he secured two points, including a record-setting 9&7 win over James Buckley and a 3&1 victory against Peter McEvoy, while also earning two points in foursomes alongside for a perfect 4–0 record. His performance underscored his early promise in international amateur competition, helping solidify American dominance in the event that year. Hoch later competed for the U.S. in the inaugural in 1994 at Golf Club, where the team defeated the International squad 24–20. He earned 2.5 points across four matches, including a halved singles against and a 6&5 win with over Fulton Allem and Frost. In 1996 at the same venue, Hoch helped secure a narrow 16½–15½ triumph, posting a 3–1–0 record with a key singles win over . His 1998 appearance at marked the first U.S. loss in the event (20.5–11.5), though he contributed two points via a four-ball victory and a 4&3 singles win over Joey Ozaki. These participations highlighted Hoch's reliability in bolstering U.S. efforts against international rivals during the competition's formative years. In his later career, Hoch joined the U.S. team for the , a match-play event pitting American professionals (six over 50 and six in their 40s) against the Rest of the World, held from 2001 to 2003. He played in the 2001 inaugural at Kiawah Island's Ocean Course, aiding a 15–9 win with strong performances in team formats. The U.S. retained the trophy in 2002 at Sea Island (16–12), where Hoch's contributions included navigating competitive pairings. In 2003 at The Old Course at , the event ended in a 12–12 tie after Hoch halved his final singles against , preserving the U.S. hold on the cup. Through these outings, Hoch exemplified enduring commitment to American 's global representation, particularly among veteran players.

References

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