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Scott Hoch
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Scott Mabon Hoch (/ˈhoʊk/ 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]- 1977 Northeast Amateur
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 | |
| 2 | Apr 25, 1982 | USF&G Classic | −10 (67-69-70=206)[a] | 2 strokes | |
| 3 | Jul 22, 1984 | Miller High Life QCO | −14 (67-67-66-66=266) | 5 strokes | |
| 4 | Apr 30, 1989 | Las Vegas Invitational | −24 (69-64-68-65-70=336) | Playoff | |
| 5 | Feb 20, 1994 | Bob Hope Chrysler Classic | −26 (66-62-70-66-70=334) | 3 strokes | |
| 6 | Sep 3, 1995 | Greater Milwaukee Open | −15 (68-71-65-65=269) | 3 strokes | |
| 7 | Jul 14, 1996 | Michelob Championship at Kingsmill | −19 (64-68-66-67=265) | 4 strokes | |
| 8 | Aug 31, 1997 | Greater Milwaukee Open (2) | −16 (70-66-66-66=268) | 1 stroke | |
| 9 | Apr 29, 2001 | Greater Greensboro Chrysler Classic | −16 (68-68-67-69=272) | 1 stroke | |
| 10 | Jul 8, 2001 | Advil Western Open | −21 (69-68-66-64=267) | 1 stroke | |
| 11 | Mar 9, 2003 | Ford Championship at Doral | −17 (66-70-66-69=271) | Playoff |
PGA Tour playoff record (2–2)
| No. | Year | Tournament | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1989 | Masters Tournament | Lost to birdie on second extra hole | |
| 2 | 1989 | Las Vegas Invitational | Won with birdie on fifth extra hole | |
| 3 | 1995 | Shell Houston Open | Lost to par on first extra hole | |
| 4 | 2003 | Ford Championship at Doral | 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 |
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 | |
| 2 | Nov 28, 1982 | Casio World Open | −6 (72-71-69-70=282) | 1 stroke | |
| 3 | Nov 30, 1986 | Casio World Open (2) | −12 (67-72-68-69=276) | 6 strokes |
PGA of Japan Tour playoff record (0–1)
| No. | Year | Tournament | Opponents | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1985 | Casio World Open | Green won with par on second extra hole Grady and Yuhara eliminated by par on first hole |
Korean Tour wins (2)
[edit]- 1990 Korea Open
- 1991 Korea Open
Other wins (2)
[edit]| No. | Date | Tournament | Winning score | Margin of victory |
Runners-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dec 14, 1986 | Chrysler Team Championship (with |
−32 (61-63-64-63=251) | 1 stroke | |
| 2 | Dec 14, 2008 | Merrill Lynch Shootout (with |
−31 (65-60-60=185) | 4 strokes |
Other playoff record (0–2)
| No. | Year | Tournament | Opponents | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1985 | Chrysler Team Championship (with |
Floyd/Sutton won with birdie on first extra hole | |
| 2 | 2000 | Franklin Templeton Shootout (with |
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 | |
| 2 | Feb 10, 2008 | Allianz Championship | −14 (67-67-68=202) | 1 stroke | |
| 3 | Feb 17, 2008 | ACE Group Classic | −14 (68-66-68=202) | Playoff | |
| 4 | Apr 28, 2019 | Bass Pro Shops Legends of Golf (with |
−23 (62-48-46=156) | 5 strokes |
PGA Tour Champions playoff record (1–1)
| No. | Year | Tournament | Opponents | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2008 | ACE Group Classic | Won with birdie on first extra hole | |
| 2 | 2011 | Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf (with |
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 |
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 |
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
QF, R16, R32, R64 = Round in which player lost in match play
"T" = Tied
NT = No tournament
U.S. national team appearances
[edit]See also
[edit]Notes
[edit]- ^ Shortened to 54 holes due to weather.
References
[edit]- ^ "Week 14 1997 Ending 6 Apr 1997" (pdf). OWGR. Retrieved September 25, 2019.
- ^ Yoon, Peter (February 27, 1998). "Hoch's Words As Much the Story as His Round". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved June 9, 2025.
- ^ "Cook wins title over Scott Hoch". Wilmington Morning Star. North Carolina. Associated Press. September 4, 1978. p. 3C.
- ^ Gregory, Sean (April 9, 2008). "Hoch the Choke, 1989". Time. Archived from the original on April 14, 2008.
- ^ Morfit, Cameron (January 17, 2007). "Scott Hoch Speaks Candidly About Tiger, CBS and Frank Chirkinian". Golf Magazine. Archived from the original on March 9, 2011.
- ^ Shipnuck, Alan (July 16, 2001). "He's Got a Shot Scott Hoch, the last man you'd expect to take the British Open, moved into the ranks of the contenders with his Western win". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved April 22, 2019.
- ^ "Scott Hoch – 1994". Official World Golf Ranking.
- ^ Ferguson, Doug (September 24, 2002). "Scott Hoch Gets Ryder Cup Attention". The Edwardsville Intelligencer. Retrieved May 11, 2019.
- ^ Strege, John (April 28, 2019). "Scott Hoch, 63, becomes oldest senior tour winner, teams with Tom Pernice to win Bass Pro Shops Legends of Golf". Golf Digest. Retrieved May 11, 2019.
- ^ a b Reilly, Rick (June 12, 1989). "Hoch As...in Choke". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on January 31, 2013. Retrieved September 17, 2012.
External links
[edit]- Scott Hoch at the PGA Tour official site
- Scott Hoch at the European Tour official site
- Scott Hoch at the Japan Golf Tour official site
- Scott Hoch at the Official World Golf Ranking official site
Scott Hoch
View on GrokipediaEarly years
Childhood and family background
Scott Hoch was born on November 24, 1955, in Raleigh, North Carolina.[1] He grew up in a family with strong athletic ties; his father, Arthur Hoch, had earned All-American honors in baseball while attending Wake Forest University, and his older brother, Arthur E. "Buddy" Hoch Jr., pursued a career as a professional bowler.[1][7] Hoch's mother, Phyllis A. Hoch, supported the family alongside his father's work in the local sports and recreation scene.[7] 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.[8] As a child, he spent considerable time at these facilities, where his father encouraged him to play golf rather than perform maintenance tasks like raking sand traps.[8] This familial support fostered his initial interest in the sport, providing regular access to courses and equipment during his formative years.[8] 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.[8] 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.[8] This early immersion in North Carolina's golf scene laid the groundwork for his later pursuits, leading him to attend Wake Forest University.[2]Education and college golf
Scott Hoch enrolled at Wake Forest University in 1974, where he pursued his undergraduate studies and balanced academics with competitive golf.[9] He graduated in 1978 as a dean's list student, earning his bachelor's degree while maintaining strong academic performance alongside his athletic commitments.[2] 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.[10] The team, which included future PGA Tour standouts like Curtis Strange and Jay Haas, achieved notable depth and competitiveness under Haddock's guidance, culminating in the 1978 ACC championship that Hoch helped lead.[2] As a freshman in 1975, Hoch was part of a squad widely regarded as one of the strongest in college golf history, though his playing time was limited amid the team's exceptional talent.[11] 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.[2] 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.[9] His college achievements underscored a strong foundation in amateur golf, blending technical skill with competitive drive under Haddock's mentorship.[12]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 Wake Forest University. One of his earliest significant victories came in 1976 when he won the North Carolina Amateur Championship at Tanglewood Golf Club in Clemmons, North Carolina, defeating Johnny Crooks in a playoff after both finished at 287.[13] This triumph highlighted his emerging talent in match play and stroke play formats within his home state. In 1977, Hoch captured the prestigious Northeast Amateur Invitational at Wannamoisett Country Club in Rhode Island, a highly regarded event that has launched numerous professional careers.[14] 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 Country Club in New Jersey, where he advanced to the final but fell to John Cook by a score of 5 and 4.[15] Despite the loss, reaching the championship match demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level of American amateur golf, drawing attention from scouts and professionals. That year, he also represented the United States in the Eisenhower Trophy at the Pacific Harbour Golf and Country Club in Fiji, 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 North Carolina Amateur title at the Country Club of North Carolina and Pinehurst No. 6, posting a winning score of 289 to edge out Tom Reynolds by eight strokes.[13] Later that summer, he represented the United States in the Walker Cup at Muirfield in Scotland, contributing to the team's victory with notable singles and foursomes performances, including a 3-and-1 win over British Amateur champion Peter McEvoy.[16] 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 Wake Forest University the previous year.[1][17] To gain entry to the PGA Tour, Hoch competed in the Fall 1979 Qualifying School at the International Country Club in Fairfax, Virginia. 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.[17][18] Despite the mid-tournament stumble, Hoch rebounded over the remaining rounds to successfully earn his PGA Tour 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.[19][3] In his rookie year on the PGA Tour 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 equipment setup or coaching staff were reported during this immediate post-qualification period, as he relied on the fundamentals honed during his college and amateur days.[20]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.[21] 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.[21] 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.[21] 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 Quad Cities Open in 1984 under its then-sponsorship as the Miller High Life Quad Cities Open.[21] 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 PGA Tour money list every year from 1980 onward, with several top-10 placements that underscored his reliability.[3] His pinnacle achievement in this period came in 1986, when he earned the Vardon Trophy 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.[22]Major tournament highlights
Scott Hoch's standout moment in major championship play occurred at the 1989 Masters Tournament, where he tied Nick Faldo 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.[4][23] Beyond the Masters, Hoch delivered several other competitive performances in majors during his prime years. At the 1987 PGA Championship held at PGA National Golf Club, he finished tied for third, one stroke shy of a playoff spot behind winner Larry Nelson and runner-up Mark McCumber. In the 1993 U.S. Open at Baltusrol Golf Club, 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.[24][8][25] 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.[24][26][27]International and other tour accomplishments
Hoch demonstrated his versatility beyond the PGA Tour 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 KLM Open), where he finished at 15-under par 269 to edge out the competition at the Hilversumsche Golf Club in the Netherlands. This win highlighted his precision and consistency on links-style courses, marking a significant milestone in his transatlantic play.[28] In Asia, Hoch excelled on the Japan Golf Tour with three triumphs in the 1980s, beginning with back-to-back victories in 1982 at the Dunlop Open and the Casio 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 Casio 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.[29][30][31] Hoch's international endeavors also extended to elite invitational events like the World Golf Championships, where he reached the quarterfinals of the 2000 WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship, defeating notable opponents before falling to David Duval 5-and-4. His strong form during this period propelled him to a career-high ranking of 11th in the Official World Golf Ranking on October 27, 1997, reflecting his competitive edge against the world's top players. These accomplishments outside the PGA Tour affirmed Hoch's status as a reliable international contender throughout his prime years.[32][33]Later PGA Tour years and challenges
Throughout the 1990s, Hoch maintained a high level of consistency on the PGA Tour, 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.[3] 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.[34] 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.[35] 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.[36] 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.[37][38] By around 2006, following a major medical extension granted after wrist surgery in late 2005, Hoch transitioned away from full PGA Tour status, relying on limited exemptions and reduced starts as he approached eligibility for the senior circuit.[39] This shift came after 27 years of primary Tour membership, during which he played in 644 events and amassed $23,504,182 in earnings.[21]Senior career
Entry into PGA Tour Champions
Scott Hoch joined the PGA Tour Champions in 2006 upon turning 50 years old on November 24, 2005, becoming eligible for the senior circuit.[40] His debut came in April 2006 at the age of 50, following recovery from wrist surgery that had limited his play on the regular PGA Tour the previous year.[41] Hoch planned to split his schedule between the PGA Tour 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.[41] 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 PGA Tour.[42] Specific results from 2006 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 Jay Haas, 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.[41] Hoch carried over his reputation for sportsmanship from the PGA Tour, where he had received the Byron Nelson Award in 1986 for exemplary conduct and low scoring average of 70.08, into his senior career, contributing to his respected standing on the Champions Tour.[43]Key senior wins and records
Scott Hoch secured four victories on the PGA Tour Champions, beginning with his debut win at the 2007 FedEx Kinko's Classic in Houston, Texas, where he finished at 13-under par to claim a one-stroke victory over Mark McNulty.[6] In 2008, he added two more triumphs: the Allianz Championship in Miami, defeating Eduardo Romero by three strokes, and the ACE Group Classic in Coral Springs, Florida, winning in a playoff over Brad Bryant, Tom Jenkins, and Tom Kite.[6] His fourth senior win came over a decade later in 2019 at the Bass Pro Shops 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 Mark McNulty.[6][44] 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.[45] 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.[6] His success translated to substantial earnings, totaling $4,974,026 on the tour.[6]Recent senior tour participation
Following his 2019 victory at the Bass Pro Shops Legends of Golf, Scott Hoch has maintained a limited presence on the PGA Tour Champions, 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.[46] 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 retirement plans. Specific details on events played in 2023 and 2024 are limited in public records, suggesting fewer than 5 per year based on his prior pattern. In 2025, he entered the KitchenAid 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.[47] 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.[48]Personal life
Family and residences
Scott Hoch has been married to his wife, Sally, since the early 1980s.[1] The couple has two children, son Cameron and daughter Katie.[1] Cameron was successfully treated as a child for a rare bone infection in his right leg at a medical facility in Orlando, an experience that strengthened the family's bonds.[1] In 1982, Hoch and his wife were held at knifepoint by an intruder in their hotel room in Tucson, Arizona, during a PGA Tour event; Hoch later recounted fearing for their lives during the ordeal.[49] The Hoch family has long resided in Orlando, Florida, where they established their primary home in the early 1990s.[1] 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.[50] Previously based in North Carolina during his formative years, the family relocated to central Florida to support his professional commitments on the PGA Tour.[1] They were neighbors with fellow golfer Payne Stewart and his family in the same Orlando enclave until Stewart's death in 1999.[51]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 golf that extends to appreciating classic layouts like the Old Course at St. Andrews.[52] 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.[3] Hoch's philanthropic efforts include a notable $100,000 donation from his 1989 Las Vegas Invitational winnings to the Arnold Palmer Children's Hospital in Orlando, Florida, a contribution that highlighted his support for pediatric care and drew public recognition at the time.[53] He has also participated in charity golf events, such as the PGA Tournament of Charities in Naples, Florida, which has raised funds for local causes, aligning with his involvement in community-oriented initiatives during his senior tour years.[54] 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.[55][56] 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."[57][37] Earlier, in 1996, his outspoken comments on British golf courses and players drew significant backlash during a European Tour event.[58] In terms of endorsements, Hoch has aligned with equipment brands like Yonex during his prime career years, though details on current sponsorships remain limited as he continues competing on the PGA Tour Champions into his late 60s.[59] His personal tastes include admiration for entertainer Frank Sinatra, films such as It's a Wonderful Life and Blazing Saddles, and athlete Michael Jordan, underscoring a preference for classic American cultural icons.[1]Professional wins
PGA Tour wins
Scott Hoch amassed 11 victories on the PGA Tour over his career, earning a total of $18,530,156 in official prize money.[60] His wins were distributed across different phases: three in the early 1980s during his rookie 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.[61] The following table lists his PGA Tour wins chronologically, including tournament details, dates, margins of victory, and playoff outcomes where applicable:| Year | Tournament | Date | Venue | Winning Score | Margin | Playoff Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Quad Cities Open | August 14–17 | Oakwood Country Club, Coal Valley, IL | 266 (−14) | 3 strokes | None |
| 1982 | USF&G New Orleans Open | April 29–May 2 (54 holes due to rain) | Lakewood Country Club, New Orleans, LA | 206 (−10) | 2 strokes | None |
| 1984 | Miller High Life Quad Cities Open | August 16–19 | Oakwood Country Club, Coal Valley, IL | 266 (−14) | 5 strokes | None |
| 1989 | Las Vegas Invitational | April 26–30 | Las Vegas Country Club, Las Vegas, NV | 336 (−24) | Playoff | Defeated Robert Wrenn with par on 5th playoff hole |
| 1994 | Bob Hope Chrysler Classic | February 17–20 | Indian Wells Country Club, Indian Wells, CA | 334 (−26) | 3 strokes | None |
| 1995 | Greater Milwaukee Open | July 27–30 | Brown Deer Park Golf Course, Milwaukee, WI | 269 (−15) | 3 strokes | None |
| 1996 | Michelob Championship at Kingsmill | October 17–20 | Kingsmill Resort, Williamsburg, VA | 265 (−19) | 4 strokes | None |
| 1997 | Greater Milwaukee Open | July 24–27 | Brown Deer Park Golf Course, Milwaukee, WI | 268 (−16) | 1 stroke | None (second win in event) |
| 2001 | Greater Greensboro Chrysler Classic | April 26–29 | Forest Oaks Country Club, Greensboro, NC | 272 (−16) | 1 stroke | None |
| 2001 | Advil Western Open | July 5–8 | Cog Hill Golf & Country Club, Lemont, IL | 267 (−21) | 1 stroke | None |
| 2003 | Ford Championship at Doral | March 20–23 (Monday finish) | Doral Golf Resort & Spa, Miami, FL | 271 (−17) | Playoff | Defeated Jim Furyk with birdie on 3rd playoff hole |
Wins on other tours
Scott Hoch achieved notable success on international tours beyond the PGA Tour, securing victories that enhanced his global reputation and contributed to his career earnings exceeding $20 million overall. These wins, primarily in the 1980s and 1990s, demonstrated his adaptability to diverse courses and conditions, often providing crucial financial boosts during periods of inconsistent PGA Tour performance. For instance, his late-1982 triumphs in Japan came after a challenging PGA season, adding over $100,000 in prize money and revitalizing his momentum.[30][63]European Tour
Hoch's sole European Tour victory came at the 1995 Heineken Dutch Open, held at Hilversumsche Golf Club in Hilversum, Netherlands. He finished at 15-under-par 269, two strokes ahead of Michael Jonzon and Sam Torrance, 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.[64][65]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.[29]- 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.[65][63]
- 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.[65][30]
- 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.[65]
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 Country Club in Goyang. These wins, each yielding purses around $100,000, were pivotal in the early 1990s as he navigated swing changes and maintained competitive edge internationally.[31]- 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.[65]
- 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.[65][66]
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 Kenny Perry at Tiburon Golf Club, 185 (−31), $365,000 shared). These team events diversified his resume.[65]PGA Tour Champions wins
Scott Hoch secured four victories on the PGA Tour Champions, beginning shortly after his eligibility began at age 50 in 2007. His first win came at the 2007 FedEx Kinko's Classic, where he finished at 15-under par (201) to claim a two-stroke victory over D.A. Weibring.[6] In 2008, Hoch won twice: first at the Allianz Championship with a final-round 68 to edge out Bernhard Langer by two strokes at 14-under par (202), followed by a playoff triumph at The ACE Group Classic, defeating Brad Bryant, Tom Jenkins, and Tom Kite with a birdie on the first extra hole.[6]| Year | Event | Score to Par | Winning Margin | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | FedEx Kinko's Classic | -15 | 2 strokes | Individual event |
| 2008 | Allianz Championship | -14 | 2 strokes | Individual event |
| 2008 | The ACE Group Classic | -14 | Playoff | Individual event; defeated three players |
| 2019 | Bass Pro Shops Legends of Golf | -23 | 5 strokes | Team event with Tom Pernice Jr.[44] |
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.[24]Masters Tournament
Hoch made 13 appearances, all cuts, with 3 top-10 finishes and a best of 2nd.| Year | Finish |
|---|---|
| 1979 | T34 |
| 1981 | T37 |
| 1983 | T27 |
| 1985 | T53 |
| 1989 | 2nd |
| 1990 | T14 |
| 1991 | T35 |
| 1995 | T7 |
| 1996 | T5 |
| 1997 | 38 |
| 1998 | T16 |
| 1999 | T44 |
| 2001 | T37 |
U.S. Open
Hoch made 16 appearances, all cuts, with 6 top-10 finishes and a best of 5th (tied, twice).| Year | Finish |
|---|---|
| 1983 | T48 |
| 1985 | T34 |
| 1987 | T36 |
| 1988 | T21 |
| 1989 | T13 |
| 1990 | T8 |
| 1991 | 6 |
| 1993 | T5 |
| 1994 | T13 |
| 1995 | T56 |
| 1996 | T7 |
| 1997 | T10 |
| 2000 | T16 |
| 2001 | T16 |
| 2002 | T5 |
| 2004 | T53 |
The Open Championship
Hoch made 2 appearances, both cuts, with 1 top-10 finish and a best of T8.| Year | Finish |
|---|---|
| 1995 | T68 |
| 2002 | T8 |
PGA Championship
Hoch made 17 appearances, all cuts, with 5 top-10 finishes and a best of T3.| Year | Finish |
|---|---|
| 1983 | 61 |
| 1984 | T48 |
| 1985 | T12 |
| 1986 | T41 |
| 1987 | T3 |
| 1988 | T25 |
| 1989 | T7 |
| 1990 | T49 |
| 1991 | T43 |
| 1993 | T6 |
| 1996 | T61 |
| 1997 | T6 |
| 1998 | T29 |
| 1999 | T21 |
| 2000 | T74 |
| 2001 | T7 |
| 2003 | T57 |
