Ben Crenshaw is a retired American professional golfer who has won 19 events on the PGA Tour, including two major championships, the Masters Tournament in 1984 and 1995.
He is nicknamed Gentle Ben and is known for his all-American looks, charisma and grace under pressure, making him a gallery favorite.
Born in Austin, Texas, Crenshaw played golf at Austin High School and the University of Texas, where he won three NCAA Championships from 1971 to 1973.
He turned professional in 1973 and played his first PGA Tour event as a pro in mid-August at the USI Classic in Massachusetts, finishing ten strokes back in a tie for 35th place ($903).
Crenshaw is now a noted golf course designer, working in partnership with Bill Coore, and was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2002.
He has also represented the U.S. in various national team appearances, including the Ryder Cup and the World Cup.
Crenshaw is known for his appreciation of golf architecture and has spent considerable time analyzing the design and construction techniques of the world’s most renowned golf courses.
He has held a fascination with golf architecture since seeing The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts at age sixteen.
Crenshaw, a native Texan, attended the University of Texas and still resides in Austin with his wife, Julie, and daughters Katherine, Claire and Anna Riley.
Net worth | $15 million |
Date of birth | January 11, 1952 |
Profession | Golfer, architect |
Nationality | American |
Background
Crenshaw was born on January 11, 1952, in Austin, Texas.
His parents were Pearl (Johnson) Crenshaw, an elementary school teacher from Tazewell, Virginia and Charles Edward Crenshaw IV, an attorney.
Charles introduced him to golf at the Country Club of Austin, instilling in him the importance of playing by the rules.
Crenshaw’s mother’s untimely death in 1974 deeply affected the family.
His father later remarried Bobbie, bringing happiness to their lives.
Crenshaw’s upbringing was in a loving family environment, with his father and mother playing significant roles in his life.
Net worth
Crenshaw has an estimated net worth of $15 million.
He made his fortune primarily through his successful career as a professional golfer. He has won 30 professional titles, including the Masters Tournament in both 1984 and 1995.
Crenshaw’s consistent performance and dedication have earned him significant prize money, sponsorship deals and endorsements over the years.
In addition to his playing career, he also designs golf courses through his company Coore & Crenshaw, which adds another layer of income and potential business ventures.
Career
Crenshaw played golf at Austin High School and the University of Texas, where he won three NCAA Championships from 1971 to 1973.
He turned professional in 1973 at age 21 and played his first PGA Tour event as a pro in mid-August at the USI Classic in Massachusetts, finishing ten strokes back in a tie for 35th place.
Crenshaw has been a legal partner with Bill Coore in Coore & Crenshaw, a golf course design firm, since 1986.
He is known for his popularity with golf fans and has been a member of four Ryder Cup teams (1981, 1983, 1987, 1995) and captained the historic 1999 team.
Crenshaw has also been a World Cup Team member in 1972 and 1988 and won the 1991 Bob Jones Award, the highest honor bestowed by the United States Golf Association in recognition of distinguished sportsmanship in golf.
His career highlights include winning the Texas State Junior Boys Championship in 1969 at Brackenridge Park, claiming two individual NCAA titles and sharing another with teammate Tom Kite at the University of Texas, and winning his debut tournament as a PGA Tour eligible player at the Texas Open.
Crenshaw has also served on the Museum Committee of the United States Golf Association and is a partner in a golf course architecture firm based in Austin.
His legacy transcends a quarter-century after his Masters win, and he is known for his unique place in the game.
Crenshaw is a two-time Masters Champion and Ryder Cup Captain who continues his passion for golf with golf course design work.
PGA Tour wins
Crenshaw has won 19 events on the PGA Tour, including two major championships, the Masters Tournament in 1984 and 1995.
He is also a noted golf course designer, working in partnership with Bill Coore, and was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2002.
Crenshaw’s popularity among golf fans is evident in the fact that they would reportedly get angry with him when he did not perform as well as they would like.
His deft putting touch and 19 PGA Tour wins, including at the 1984 and 1995 Masters, have made him a fan favorite.
Crenshaw’s contributions to golf now extend beyond his playing days, as he continues to contribute to the game as a golf course architect and as co-chair and Vice President of The Muny Conservancy.
European Tour wins
Crenshaw has won a total of 3 European Tour events throughout his professional career.
The European Tour is a leading golf tour that features tournaments in various countries around the world.
Crenshaw’s first victory on the European Tour came in 1976 when he won the European Open.
He then went on to win the 1980 Suntory World Match Play Championship and the 1987 Dunhill Cup.
Crenshaw’s success on the European Tour is noteworthy as he is one of only a few American golfers to have won multiple events on the tour.
His three victories place him fourth on the all-time list of golfers with the most European Tour victories, behind Seve Ballesteros, Bernhard Langer and Colin Montgomerie.
Crenshaw’s European Tour wins are a testament to his skill and versatility as a golfer.
His ability to compete and win on both the PGA Tour and the European Tour demonstrates his talent and adaptability as a player.
Major championships
Crenshaw secured his first major championship win at the Masters Tournament in 1984.
Known for his exceptional putting skills and graceful swing, he displayed remarkable composure and skill to claim the coveted green jacket at Augusta National Golf Club.
Crenshaw’s second major triumph came at the same prestigious event, the Masters Tournament, in 1995.
This victory further solidified his reputation as a skilled and accomplished golfer, showcasing his enduring talent and ability to perform under pressure on one of golf’s grandest stages.
Throughout his career, Crenshaw’s wins at the Masters Tournament stand as enduring testaments to his skill, dedication and mastery of the game of golf.
U.S. national team appearances
Crenshaw has made several appearances for the U.S. national team in golf.
In the amateur category, he participated in the Eisenhower Trophy in 1972, where his team emerged as winners.
Professionally, Crenshaw represented the United States in various prestigious events, including the Ryder Cup in 1981, 1983, 1987, 1995 and 1999, where he served as a non-playing captain for the winning team.
He also competed in the World Cup in 1987 and 1988, winning the individual title in 1988, the Kirin Cup in 1988, and the Dunhill Cup in 1995.
Additionally, Crenshaw took part in the Wendy’s 3-Tour Challenge in 2002 representing the Senior PGA Tour
Course design
Crenshaw is now renowned for his work in golf course design.
Collaborating with Bill Coore, Crenshaw established Coore & Crenshaw Inc. in 1985, sharing a philosophy that values traditional, strategic golf as the most rewarding.
Their design approach aims to blend personal experience and admiration for classical course designers like Ross, MacKenzie, Macdonald, Maxwell and Tillinghast, creating a unique style.
Notable golf course designs by Crenshaw and Coore include Kapalua Resort in Hawaii, Sheep Ranch at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Oregon, Sand Hills in Nebraska and We-Ko-Pa in Scottsdale.
Crenshaw’s courses reflect his personality, featuring irregular, raggedy-edged bunkers and small, undulating greens, designed to be challenging for scratch golfers yet playable for weekend duffers.
With over 30 years of collaboration, Coore and Crenshaw have produced revered golf course designs in the United States and internationally, including the recent Point Hardy Golf Club at Cabot St. Lucia.
Their partnership is highly respected in the golf architectural world, known for creating intriguing layouts that stand out for their artistry and strategic playability.
Awards and accolades
In 1991, Crenshaw received the Bob Jones Award, the highest honor bestowed by the United States Golf Association.
He was also named Captain of the 1999 American Ryder Cup Team and led the team to an emotional victory.
In 1997, Crenshaw received the Old Tom Morris Award from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, the association’s highest honor.
His impact on the game of golf extends beyond his individual achievements.
Crenshaw’s dedication to the integrity of the game and his actions over the years exemplify what is best about golf.
His respect for everyone he meets and his commitment to treating people with kindness and respect have made him a beloved figure in the golf community.
Personal life
Crenshaw has been married twice.
He was married to Polly from 1976 to 1985, but their marriage did not last.
Crenshaw’s second wife is Julie Crenshaw, whom he married in 1985.
They have three daughters together, namely Katherine Vail Crenshaw, Claire Susan Crenshaw and Anna Riley Crenshaw.
Julie is known for her support of her husband’s career and is often seen accompanying him to golf events.
The couple resides in Austin, Texas, with their daughters.
Real estate
Crenshaw is a real estate professional, serving as the Team Leader and CEO of Keller Williams Realty Group.
He has been involved in the sale of luxury homes in Austin, Texas, such as a property located at 1524 Ben Crenshaw Way, which was listed for $6.2 million in 2016.
Another home at 1607 Ben Crenshaw Way, a 2587 sqft, 4 bed, 3 bath property, was sold in 2021.
A third property at 1602 Ben Crenshaw Way is a 3106 sqft, 4 bed, 3 bath single-family home, which is currently not for sale.
These properties are located in the same neighborhood, suggesting that Crenshaw has a strong connection to this area in Austin.