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Wayne Grady
Wayne Grady
from Wikipedia

Wayne Desmond Grady (born 26 July 1957) is an Australian professional golfer.

Key Information

Early life

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Grady was born in Brisbane, Australia.

Professional career

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In 1978, Grady turned professional. He began his career on the PGA Tour of Australia and had much early success, winning the 1978 CBA West Lakes Classic. He also played extensively on the European Tour during this era, winning the 1984 German Open.

Shortly thereafter, Grady earned membership on the PGA Tour at 1984 PGA Tour Qualifying School. In 1989, Grady won the Westchester Classic. However, Grady is probably best known for his 1990 PGA Championship victory where he defeated Fred Couples down the stretch. He was also runner-up at the 1989 Open Championship, losing with fellow Australian Greg Norman in a playoff to American Mark Calcavecchia.

As of 2005 Grady is director of the PGA Tour of Australasia. He owns a golf course design business and a golf tour company, and has worked as a commentator for the BBC's televised golf coverage since 2000.

Professional wins (10)

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PGA Tour wins (2)

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Legend
Major championships (1)
Other PGA Tour (1)
No. Date Tournament Winning score Margin of
victory
Runner-up
1 11 Jun 1989 Manufacturers Hanover Westchester Classic −7 (69-65-71-72=277) Playoff United States Ronnie Black
2 12 Aug 1990 PGA Championship −6 (72-67-72-71=282) 3 strokes United States Fred Couples

PGA Tour playoff record (1–1)

No. Year Tournament Opponent(s) Result
1 1989 Manufacturers Hanover Westchester Classic United States Ronnie Black Won with birdie on first extra hole
2 1989 The Open Championship United States Mark Calcavecchia, Australia Greg Norman Calcavecchia won four-hole aggregate playoff;
Calcavecchia: −2 (4-3-3-3=13),
Grady: +1 (4-4-4-4=16),
Norman: x (3-3-4-x=x)

European Tour wins (2)

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Legend
Major championships (1)
Other European Tour (1)
No. Date Tournament Winning score Margin of
victory
Runner-up
1 26 Aug 1984 Lufthansa German Open −16 (70-65-69-64=268) 1 stroke Canada Jerry Anderson
2 12 Aug 1990 PGA Championship −6 (72-67-72-71=282) 3 strokes United States Fred Couples

European Tour playoff record (0–1)

No. Year Tournament Opponents Result
1 1989 The Open Championship United States Mark Calcavecchia, Australia Greg Norman Calcavecchia won four-hole aggregate playoff;
Calcavecchia: −2 (4-3-3-3=13),
Grady: +1 (4-4-4-4=16),
Norman: x (3-3-4-x=x)

PGA Tour of Australasia wins (3)

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No. Date Tournament Winning score Margin of
victory
Runner-up
1 29 Oct 1978 CBA West Lakes Classic −4 (68-72-67-73=280) 2 strokes Australia Bob Shearer
2 6 Nov 1988 Australian PGA Championship[a] −13 (69-69-71-66=275) Playoff Australia Greg Norman
3 24 Nov 1991 Ford Australian PGA Championship (2) −13 (66-66-68-69=271) 3 strokes Australia Brett Ogle

PGA Tour of Australasia playoff record (1–3)

No. Year Tournament Opponent Result
1 1982 Dunhill Queensland Open Australia Graham Marsh Lost to par on first extra hole
2 1982 Air New Zealand Shell Open Australia Terry Gale Lost to birdie on second extra hole
3 1988 Australian PGA Championship Australia Greg Norman Won with par on fourth extra hole
4 1993 Optus Players Championship Australia Robert Allenby Lost to birdie on first extra hole

Other wins (2)

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Other senior wins (2)

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Playoff record

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PGA of Japan Tour playoff record (0–1)

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

Major championships

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Wins (1)

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Year Championship 54 holes Winning score Margin Runner-up
1990 PGA Championship 2 shot lead −6 (72-67-72-71=282) 3 strokes United States Fred Couples

Results timeline

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Tournament 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989
Masters Tournament
U.S. Open CUT T43 CUT CUT
The Open Championship CUT CUT CUT T17 T38 T2
PGA Championship T21 CUT T46
Tournament 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
Masters Tournament T27 CUT T13 CUT T41 T35
U.S. Open CUT T63 T17 T81 CUT CUT T67
The Open Championship CUT T26 T39 T9 T60 CUT
PGA Championship 1 T43 CUT CUT T30 CUT T65 CUT CUT
Tournament 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
Masters Tournament
U.S. Open CUT
The Open Championship
PGA Championship T64 CUT
  Win
  Top 10
  Did not play

CUT = missed the halfway cut (3rd round cut in 1983 Open Championship)
"T" indicates a tie for a place.

Summary

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Tournament Wins 2nd 3rd Top-5 Top-10 Top-25 Events Cuts made
Masters Tournament 0 0 0 0 0 1 6 4
U.S. Open 0 0 0 0 0 1 12 5
The Open Championship 0 1 0 1 2 3 12 7
PGA Championship 1 0 0 1 1 2 14 7
Totals 1 1 0 2 3 7 44 23
  • Most consecutive cuts made – 6 (1991 U.S. Open – 1992 Open Championship)
  • Longest streak of top-10s – 1 (three times)

Team appearances

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Amateur

Professional

See also

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Notes

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Wayne Grady (born Wayne Desmond Grady; July 26, 1957) is an Australian former professional golfer renowned for his victory in the , one of golf's four major championships. Born in , , Grady initially turned professional at age 16 but regained his amateur status before recommitting to a professional career in 1978. Over his playing career, he secured ten professional victories, including two on the , two on the European Tour, and three on the Australasian Tour. His most notable achievement came at the at Shoal Creek Golf Club in , where he finished three strokes ahead of to claim his sole major title after leading by two entering the final round. The previous year, Grady had come agonizingly close to another major, tying for the lead at the 1989 at Royal Troon with before he and Norman lost in a four-hole playoff to . Grady competed in 12 Open Championships between 1979 and 1995, with additional highlights including a tied ninth-place finish in 1993 at Royal St George's. On the , he amassed 24 top-10 finishes and earned over $2 million in official prize money across his career. After transitioning from full-time play, he won the Australian Senior Open in both 2007 and 2008 on the Seniors Tour. In his post-playing career, Grady has worked as a golf course designer through his company, Wayne Grady Design, with projects in and ; served as a director of the ; and provided commentary and analysis for the . He is married to Lyn Grady and has a daughter, , born in 1986.

Early years

Birth and family background

Wayne Grady was born on July 26, 1957, in , , . Details about Grady's family background, including his parents and any siblings, are limited in , though he is described as having risen from humble, working-class roots in Brisbane's local community. His early childhood unfolded in the suburban environment of , where he grew up as an unassuming local, frequenting everyday spots like neighborhood bakeries and pie shops that reflected the everyday Australian upbringing of the era. In this setting, Grady encountered initial opportunities for engagement through activities, though specific non-golf pursuits from his youth remain sparsely documented.

Introduction to golf and amateur career

Wayne Grady's introduction to occurred in his hometown of , , where he began playing as a junior at the Virginia Golf Club, one of the region's oldest courses. Growing up in the and early , Grady developed his skills on this layout, which served as a foundational hub for several Australian golf talents during that era. Under the guidance of renowned coach Charlie Earp, a PGA Immortal and long-time professional at the Royal Queensland Golf Club, Grady honed his technique and competitive mindset. Earp, who mentored multiple generations of Australian golfers, played a pivotal role in Grady's progression from casual play to structured training, emphasizing fundamentals that would define his swing and approach. This coaching relationship, beginning in Grady's teenage years, helped him regain focus after an initial brief foray into professional play at age 16, allowing him to reestablish himself as an amateur. Grady's amateur career gained momentum in the mid-, marked by key victories at the state level. He captured the Golf Club Championship in both 1976 and 1977, showcasing his emerging talent against local competitors. These successes propelled him to representative honors, including selection for in the 1977 Australian Men's Interstate Teams Matches, where he contributed to interstate competition against other states. By the late , Grady's consistent performances in junior and amateur events positioned him as a promising figure in , setting the stage for his full-time professional transition.

Professional playing career

Turning professional and early tours

Wayne Grady turned professional in 1978 at the age of 21, following a five-year stint as an after an initial brief foray into the pro ranks at age 16. His amateur foundation, marked by strong performances in Australian competitions, provided the technical skills and competitive edge needed for the transition to professional . Grady immediately joined the , where he secured his first professional victory at the 1978 West Lakes Classic, held at The Grange Golf Club in , demonstrating early promise on his home circuit. In the late 1970s, Grady continued to compete on the Australasian tour, experiencing both successes and setbacks that honed his resilience. A notable near-miss came at the 1979 South Seas Classic in , where he held a six-stroke lead entering the final round but was overtaken by Rick Mallicoat's 68, finishing in a tie for second place with Mike Ferguson. These regional experiences, including consistent top finishes, helped build momentum but highlighted the need for broader exposure to elevate his game amid the competitive demands of professional play. To adapt and advance, Grady expanded to international circuits in the early , joining the Asian and European Tours after his initial n successes. He played extensively on these tours from 1979 to 1984, facing challenges such as adapting to varied course conditions and climates—disliking Europe compared to Australia's familiarity—while earning exemptions through strong performances. This period of international grinding provided crucial experience, culminating in his first European Tour victory at the 1984 German Open, which solidified his reputation beyond and paved the way for further global opportunities.

Peak achievements and major tours

Grady reached the peak of his professional career in the late 1980s and early , culminating in a career-high ranking of 25th in the in March 1991. This ascent reflected his steady improvement and competitive consistency on international circuits following his foundational experiences on regional tours. On the , Grady demonstrated sustained performance throughout the and , participating in 338 events and making the cut in 186 of them, which underscored his reliability in high-level competition. He amassed 24 top-10 finishes and 8 top-5 results during this period, contributing to career exceeding $2 million, a significant achievement for an international player navigating the demanding American schedule. Grady also maintained a solid presence on the European Tour in the and , where he competed regularly and accumulated career earnings of approximately €347,531, highlighting his adaptability to diverse course conditions and competitive fields across the continent. His efforts on the during these decades further solidified his reputation, with consistent top performances that reinforced his status as a prominent Australian . A standout moment in this peak era came at the 1989 at Royal Troon, where Grady finished as runner-up after leading early and tying for the lead entering the four-hole playoff with and , ultimately finishing tied for second with Norman. Overall, these years marked Grady's most impactful phase, blending endurance and occasional contention for top honors across global tours.

Tournament victories

PGA Tour and major wins

Wayne Grady secured his first PGA Tour victory at the 1989 Manufacturers Hanover Westchester Classic, held at in . In a sudden-death playoff, he defeated Ronnie Black with a birdie on the first extra hole after both finished regulation at 7-under-par 277, earning $180,000 from the $1 million purse. This breakthrough win marked a significant milestone for the Australian golfer, who had been competing on the tour since 1985 but had yet to claim a title. Grady's second and most prominent PGA Tour triumph came at the 1990 , his sole major championship victory, at Shoal Creek Golf and Country Club in . He posted rounds of 72-67-72-71 to finish at 6-under-par 282, winning by three strokes over runner-up , with placing third at 2-under. The victory netted him $225,000 from a $1.35 million purse, and it established Grady as the third Australian-born winner of the . Despite challenging conditions that saw only three players break par for the tournament, Grady maintained his lead after a second-round 67 and held steady in the final rounds. These two victories represented the entirety of Grady's PGA Tour successes across 338 career starts, during which he amassed $2,077,433 in official earnings and achieved 8 top-5 finishes. The 1990 major win, in particular, propelled him out of the shadow cast by fellow Australian , boosting his profile and securing his status as a one-time major champion at age 28.

International and regional tour wins

Grady's international and regional tour successes highlighted his versatility as a , with notable victories on the and the during the 1970s, 1980s, and early 1990s. These triumphs came amid a career that saw him compete globally after turning professional in 1978, often balancing tours in , , and his home region. His sole verified European Tour victory occurred at the 1984 Lufthansa German Open, where he carded a final-round 64 to finish at 16 under par, edging out Jerry Anderson by one stroke at Frankfurter Golf Club. This win marked a breakthrough on the European circuit and helped solidify his reputation as a consistent performer abroad. On the , Grady secured three titles, starting with the 1978 Westlakes Classic shortly after turning pro, demonstrating his early promise in regional competition. He later claimed wins in 1988 and 1991, the first in a dramatic sudden-death playoff against at Riverside Oaks Golf Resort after both finished at 13 under par. These victories underscored his dominance in home events during his peak years. Grady also tasted success in Asia with the 1993 Indonesian PGA Championship, finishing strongly to claim the title at Royal Jakarta Golf Club. Although he did not win on the PGA of Japan Tour, he recorded a runner-up finish via playoff loss at the 1985 Casio World Open, shooting a low round of 65 but falling short against the field.
YearTournamentTourVenueWinning ScoreMargin of Victory
1978Westlakes ClassicPGA Tour of AustralasiaThe Grange Golf Club, Adelaide, Australia280 (−4)2 strokes
1984Lufthansa German OpenEuropean TourFrankfurter Golf Club, Frankfurt, Germany268 (−16)1 stroke
1988Australian PGA ChampionshipPGA Tour of AustralasiaRiverside Oaks Golf Resort, Sydney, Australia275 (−13)Playoff
1991Ford Australian PGA ChampionshipPGA Tour of AustralasiaConcord Golf Club, Sydney, Australia271 (−13)3 strokes
1993Indonesian PGA ChampionshipAsian TourRoyal Jakarta Golf Club, Jakarta, IndonesiaNot availableNot available

Major championships

1990 PGA Championship victory

The 1990 took place from August 9 to 12 at Shoal Creek Golf and Country Club in , a par-72 layout designed by that measured approximately 7,000 yards and featured thick rough and undulating greens, testing the field's accuracy and course management. The event drew significant attention amid broader discussions on inclusivity in , but on the course, it showcased a grueling setup where only three players finished under par. Wayne Grady, a 33-year-old Australian with modest prior success on the —including a single victory at the 1989 New York Open—entered as a long shot, overshadowed by compatriots like and favorites such as . Grady's performance built steadily across the rounds. In the opening round, he carded an even-par 72, placing him in a mid-pack position behind early leader Bobby Wadkins, who shot 69. His second round was a standout, a 5-under 67 that included birdies on several par-4s, vaulting him to 5-under for the tournament and a two-stroke lead over and Couples. The third round saw Grady maintain control with another steady 72, holding his advantage at two shots entering the final day despite bogeys on holes 10, 14, and 17 that briefly narrowed the gap. In the pressure-filled Sunday round, he posted a 1-under 71—featuring a birdie on the par-5 16th and solid par saves late—to close at 6-under 282 total, fending off Couples' charge. Couples, who reached 4-under midway through the final round, faltered with bogeys on the back nine to finish three strokes back at 3-under 285, while placed third at 2-under 286. Grady's triumph marked the third time an Australian claimed the , following Jim Ferrier in 1947 and David Graham in 1979, and solidified his status as a major champion in a career often defined by near-misses, with 29 runner-up finishes worldwide prior to the win. As the first Australian major victor in over a amid Norman's high-profile close calls, it carried symbolic weight for Australian , breaking the narrative of perpetual bridesmaids. Reflecting on the upset, Grady later called it a "dream come true" that validated his perseverance, noting the pressure of leading into the final round but emphasizing his focus on "hitting fairways and greens" rather than the leaderboard, a mindset honed from years on the European and Tours. He described the victory as humbling, especially sharing the spotlight with legends on the Wanamaker Trophy, and it earned him $225,000—the largest paycheck of his career—while boosting his world ranking into the top 20.

Results timeline and performance summary

Wayne Grady participated in 28 major championships between 1979 and 2000, achieving one victory and one runner-up finish, with his 1990 win serving as the highlight of his major career. The following table summarizes his year-by-year results in the four majors, where "DNP" indicates did not play, "MC" indicates missed cut, "WD" indicates withdrew, and "T" indicates tied position. Data is compiled from official tournament records and golf statistical databases.
YearMasters TournamentU.S. Open
1979DNPDNPMCDNP
1983DNPDNPWDDNP
1984DNPDNPMCDNP
1986DNPDNPDNPT21
1987DNPT43T17DNP
1988DNPDNPT38DNP
1989DNPDNP2T46
DNPMC1
1991DNPT63T43
1992T13T17T39DNP
1993DNPT81T9DNP
1994T41DNPT60T30
1995DNPMCDNP
1996DNPT67DNPT65
DNPDNPDNP
Grady made the cut in 23 of his 28 major appearances, for a cut-made percentage of approximately 82%, and recorded three top-10 finishes across all majors. The table below provides a summary of his best results in each major and overall major statistics.
MajorBest Finish (Year)AppearancesCuts MadeTop-10 Finishes
T13 (1992)440
U.S. OpenT17 (1992)550
2nd (1989)1272 (2nd, T9)
1st (1990)771 (1st)
Overall1st (1990)28233

International team appearances

Ryder Cup and World Cup participation

Wayne Grady did not participate in the Ryder Cup during his professional career, despite competing on the European Tour and achieving success there, including a victory at the 1984 German Open. Grady's primary international team appearances came in the World Cup of Golf, where he represented Australia on three occasions in the late 1970s and 1980s. In 1978, partnering with Greg Norman at the Princeville Makai course in Hawaii, the Australian duo finished second overall with a total score of 574 (two under par), ten strokes behind the winning American team of John Mahaffey and Andy North. Grady contributed steadily across the four rounds, helping secure the runner-up position in an event that highlighted emerging Australian talent. Five years later, in 1983 at the in , Grady teamed with Terry Gale to again claim second place, finishing seven shots behind the victorious pair of Rex Caldwell and John Cook. The Australians matched the performance of the Canadian team, demonstrating consistent team play in the stroke-play format that emphasized combined totals. Grady's standout World Cup performance occurred in 1989 at Real Club de Golf Las Brisas in , , where he paired with Peter Fowler to win the title by three strokes over the host Spanish team of José María Cañizares and . Their winning total of 278 (ten under par) came in a tournament shortened to 36 holes due to heavy rain, marking Australia's first victory since 1954 and underscoring Grady's key role in elevating the nation's standing in global team .

Other professional team events

Grady represented in the Alfred Dunhill Cup, a team event featuring three players per nation, in 1989, 1990, and 1991. Grady represented in the Four Tours World Championship, an invitational team event featuring six players from each of the , European Tour, , and Australasian Tour, held annually from 1985 to 1991. He participated in the 1985, 1989, and 1990 editions, with the Australasian team securing a joint victory with the in 1990 at Yomiuri Country Club in after tying at 20 points each in the group stage; the final was canceled due to rain, and Australasia was declared winner based on the lower aggregate score. The 1990 Australasian squad included Grady alongside , Rodger Davis, , , and Peter Senior. Later in his career, Grady served as a non-playing assistant captain for the International team in the , a biennial match-play competition between teams from the and the rest of the world. Under captain Peter Thomson, he assisted in the 1998 event at in , where the International team achieved its only victory to date, defeating the 20.5–11.5. Grady's contributions included strategic input during the matches, helping foster team unity in the historic win hosted on home soil. He returned as assistant captain in 2000 at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in , where the prevailed 21.5–10.5 despite the International team's competitive effort.

Later career

Broadcasting and commentary

After retiring from competitive golf, Wayne Grady transitioned into broadcasting, leveraging his experience as a major champion to provide insightful analysis. He joined the 's golf commentary team in 2000, beginning with coverage of . Over the subsequent years, Grady became a regular on BBC televised golf coverage, contributing to broadcasts of major tournaments and European Tour events, where he offered perspectives drawn directly from his playing career. Grady's commentary style emphasizes practical insights from his time on the course, often highlighting strategic decisions and player psychology without undue criticism. For instance, during a broadcast of , he noted a tense exchange between and his caddie over green-reading, which reportedly strained relations with Mickelson for several years until a reconciliation at the 2007 Masters. His respected status in the field led to frequent collaborations with commentators like and Ken Brown on platforms, including , , and . In addition to his BBC work, Grady's services as a commentator have been sought by networks in and internationally for various events. This includes coverage of major championships and tours, where his Australian perspective adds value to local audiences. Notable among his contributions are analyses of high-profile moments, such as upsets in majors, informed by his own 1990 victory, enhancing viewer understanding of pressure-packed situations.

Business and administrative roles

Following his successful playing career, Wayne Grady transitioned into administrative and business roles within the golf industry. In 2005, he was appointed as a director of the , where he also served as chairman before stepping down in December 2006 to focus on his senior playing career on the . Grady founded the Grady Golf Group, a multifaceted enterprise that includes golf course design and a golf tour company. Through the design arm, he has led several projects since the early , such as remedial renovations to holes 11-13 at The Golf Club in 2002, a 27-hole masterplan for Golf Club in 2012, and a full redesign of Golf Club completed in 2013. These efforts highlight his expertise in creating and enhancing playable, strategic layouts suited to Australian conditions. In 2025, Golf Club hosted the Wayne Grady Cup, reflecting his ongoing involvement in the sport. Additionally, Grady co-owns Wayne Grady , a Gold Coast-based firm specializing in events and tournaments. The company organizes corporate days, pro-ams, and invitational competitions, drawing on their extensive professional backgrounds to deliver high-profile gatherings. As of recent years, Grady remains actively involved in these ventures, contributing to the growth of infrastructure and experiential programming in .

References

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