Wayne Grady

Wayne Grady's Biography

Wayne Grady turned professional at age 16, and then regained his amateur status. At 21 he became a full time golf professional. He won the Westlakes Classic six months after turning pro, whilst having only $9 in his pocket. It would be a frustrating 17-second place finishes before Wayne would again taste victory at the 1984 German Open. Buoyed by a win and a three-year exemption in Europe he went to America. After earning his playing rights in the torturous U.S. Playing School at the end of 1984 Wayne finished 41st on the 1985 money list. Wayne lost his card in the U.S. in 1986 but regained it in 1987, learning from the experience.
Wayne Grady defeated Greg Norman in a 4-hole playoff in the 1988 Australian PGA Championship. The following year he went back to the States to claim his first victory on American soil, the Westchester Classic, also in a playoff.

Three weeks later he almost won the biggest championship of them all, The British Open. After leading from lunchtime on Friday, he was not caught until a late bogey on the long par 3 17th put him back into a tie with the fast finishing Greg Norman, and eventual winner of the playoff, Mark Calchaveccia. Determined not to let the loss derail his career Wayne went on to become one of only 8 Australians to win a professional major tournament, the 1990 US PGA Championship.
Wayne Grady plays a limited schedule now and lives on the Gold Coast with his family. He is busy with varying businesses, which include golf commentary, a growing golf course design company, driving range, Wizard Home Loan offices, golf tours and corporate days. In addition he is the Chairman of Australasian PGA Tour.