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Fred Couples

Fred Couples is an American professional golfer best known for winning the 1992 Masters Tournament and for his smooth swing and long-driving style.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Fred Couples is an American professional golfer best known for winning the 1992 Masters Tournament and for his smooth swing and long-driving style. He turned professional in 1980, won 15 PGA Tour titles, and later became a major figure on the PGA Tour Champions. He is a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame.

Early life and amateur career

Couples was born in Seattle, Washington, and played college golf at the University of Houston. He developed into an All-American before turning professional in 1980.

Professional career

Couples became one of the leading golfers of the 1990s, winning 15 PGA Tour events and the 1992 Masters. He won the Players Championship twice, in 1984 and 1996, and was named PGA Tour Player of the Year in 1991 and 1992. He also represented the United States in the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup.

Senior career

After joining the senior circuit, Couples added 14 PGA Tour Champions victories to his record. He remained competitive well into his 60s and continued to make historic appearances at the Masters.

Honours and legacy

Couples was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2013. He is widely remembered for his fluid swing, popularity with fans, and longevity as a professional golfer. His nickname 'Boom Boom' reflects his long-driving style.

Key facts

  • Won the 1992 Masters Tournament, his only major championship.
  • Recorded 15 PGA Tour victories and 14 PGA Tour Champions wins.
  • Won the Players Championship twice, in 1984 and 1996.
  • Represented the United States in the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup.
  • Inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2013.
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Canadian context

Fred Couples is relevant to Canadian readers through his appearances on the PGA Tour and PGA Tour Champions, which regularly include tournaments in Canada and coverage in Canadian golf media.

Frequently asked questions

What is Fred Couples known for?
He is best known for winning the 1992 Masters and for his smooth, powerful swing.
How many PGA Tour wins did Fred Couples have?
He won 15 PGA Tour events.
Did Fred Couples win any major championships?
Yes. He won one major championship, the 1992 Masters Tournament.
What college did Fred Couples attend?
He attended the University of Houston.
Is Fred Couples in the World Golf Hall of Fame?
Yes. He was inducted in 2013.

References

  1. PGA Tourhttps://www.pgatour.com/player/01226/fred-couples
    Supports: Birthplace, nationality, turned professional date, age, PGA Tour Champions wins
  2. World Golf Hall of Famehttps://worldgolfhalloffame.org/members/fred-couples.html
    Supports: Professional career highlights, PGA Tour wins, Player of the Year awards, Hall of Fame induction
  3. Masters Tournamenthttps://www.masters.com/en_US/players/player_1226.html
    Supports: 1992 Masters victory, Masters appearances, birthplace, residence, college
  4. Texas Sports Hall of Famehttps://tshof.org/inductee/fred-couples/
    Supports: Seattle birth, University of Houston, 1983 first PGA Tour win, nickname, career achievements
  5. ESPNhttps://www.espn.com/golf/player/_/id/91/fred-couples
    Supports: Birthdate, birthplace, college, turned pro
  6. The Openhttps://www.theopen.com/players/fred-couples
    Supports: Ryder Cup appearances, Open Championship top-10 finishes, career profile