Shaun Micheel, American golfer

Shaun Carl Micheel, born on January 5, 1969, is an accomplished American professional golfer widely recognized for his remarkable and unexpected triumph at the 2003 PGA Championship. His career, marked by periods of immense challenge and moments of brilliant resurgence, offers a compelling narrative in the world of professional golf.

Early Life and Formative Years in Golf

Micheel’s journey in golf began in Orlando, Florida, but his early development took place after his family moved to Memphis, Tennessee. It was in Memphis, following his parents' decision to purchase a home situated on a golf course, that Micheel taught himself the intricacies of the game. This self-taught approach to golf is a testament to his innate talent and dedication. He honed his skills during his time at Christian Brothers High School in Memphis before attending Indiana University. Micheel formally transitioned into professional golf in 1992.

His nascent professional career was characterized by considerable struggles, often referred to as "patchy." This period saw him consistently battling to retain his playing privileges on the prestigious PGA Tour. In professional golf, maintaining PGA Tour membership requires consistent high-level performance, a challenge many aspiring golfers face. Despite these hurdles, Micheel's perseverance yielded significant early successes, including a victory at the Singapore Open in 1998 and a win on what was then known as the Nike Tour in 1999. The Nike Tour, now the Korn Ferry Tour, serves as the primary developmental circuit for the PGA Tour, offering aspiring golfers a vital pathway to compete at the sport's highest level.

The Defining Moment: 2003 PGA Championship Victory

The 2003 PGA Championship held at Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, New York, etched Shaun Micheel's name into golf history. Entering the tournament, Micheel was an undeniable underdog, ranked a modest 169th in the Official World Golf Ranking. This was his 164th career PGA Tour start, and his victory became one of the most surprising major championship wins in recent memory, defying the expectations typically associated with major title contenders. Major championships represent the pinnacle of professional golf, where the world's best golfers compete for the most coveted titles.

Micheel's performance throughout the championship was a display of consistent excellence under pressure. He opened with rounds of 69 and 68, placing him at three-under-par and securing a two-shot lead over fellow competitors Billy Andrade and Mike Weir. A third-round 69 further solidified his position, tying him for the lead at four-under-par with Chad Campbell, and giving him a crucial three-shot cushion over Weir. In a tense final round, Micheel carded a par 70, ultimately defeating Campbell by two strokes. His iconic 7-iron approach shot on the 72nd hole, struck from 175 yards to within two inches of the cup, is widely celebrated as one of the greatest closing shots in major championship history, effectively sealing his victory. Following this landmark win, Micheel concluded the 2003 season ranked 32nd on the PGA Tour money list, a significant leap that reflected the financial and professional impact of his major triumph. In 2004, he secured a top 100 finish on the money list for the second time in his career, and his career-high Official World Golf Ranking of 34th was achieved that same year, showcasing his elevated standing in the sport.

Post-Major Highlights and Career Distinctions

Shaun Micheel continued to demonstrate his competitive spirit in the years following his major win, particularly in 2006. That August, he once again found himself in contention at the PGA Championship, this time held at Medinah Country Club. He finished as the runner-up to Tiger Woods, an impressive feat considering Woods was in the midst of one of the most dominant periods of his career, winning both The Open Championship and the PGA Championship back-to-back that year. Two weeks later, Micheel's strong form persisted with a tied-seventh-place finish at the Deutsche Bank Championship. Later in 2006, he also reached the final of the HSBC World Match Play Championship, notably defeating Tiger Woods in the first round – a rare accomplishment given Woods' formidable reputation in match play. Micheel concluded the 2006 PGA Tour season with a consistent run of nine consecutive cuts made and a top 50 ranking on the money list.

Micheel's career is marked by several unique distinctions. He is one of only two golfers in the storied history of the U.S. Open to record a double eagle, also known as an albatross. This incredibly rare occurrence, which means holing out three strokes under par on a single hole, took place on the 6th hole during the final round of the 2010 U.S. Open. He joined T.C. Chen, who achieved the first U.S. Open albatross in 1985, in this exclusive group. Furthermore, Shaun Micheel holds the distinction of being one of the rare golfers whose only PGA Tour victory is a major championship. This statistic becomes even more remarkable when considering his longevity and perseverance; through the end of the 2018–19 season, Micheel had made 397 PGA Tour starts, more than any other golfer whose sole win on the tour was a major. Although he last played a full season in 2011, he continued to participate in events, including the PGA Championship, by virtue of his past champion status, which grants exemption into certain tournaments.

Transition to PGA Tour Champions

In 2019, Shaun Micheel began a new chapter in his professional golf career by joining the PGA Tour Champions. This tour is dedicated to professional golfers aged 50 and over, allowing them to continue competing at a high level and showcasing their skills to a dedicated fanbase.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shaun Micheel

What is Shaun Micheel best known for?
Shaun Micheel is best known for his surprising victory at the 2003 PGA Championship, where he won as a significant underdog, ranked 169th in the world.
Did Shaun Micheel teach himself how to play golf?
Yes, Shaun Micheel taught himself how to play golf after his parents bought a home on a golf course in Memphis, Tennessee.
What made Shaun Micheel's 2003 PGA Championship win so iconic?
Beyond his underdog status, his victory was sealed with an iconic 7-iron approach shot on the 18th hole of the final round, which landed just two inches from the cup.
Has Shaun Micheel ever recorded a double eagle (albatross) in a major championship?
Yes, Shaun Micheel is one of only two golfers in U.S. Open history to record a double eagle, which he achieved on the 6th hole during the final round of the 2010 U.S. Open.
Is the PGA Championship Shaun Micheel's only PGA Tour win?
Yes, the 2003 PGA Championship remains Shaun Micheel's only PGA Tour victory, making his career trajectory unique among major champions.
When did Shaun Micheel start playing on the PGA Tour Champions?
Shaun Micheel began playing on the PGA Tour Champions, the professional golf tour for players aged 50 and over, in 2019.