Career Timeline of Curtis Strange: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 17, 2025

How Curtis Strange built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Curtis Strange is a celebrated American professional golfer, now a TV color commentator. His career highlights include winning consecutive U.S. Open titles. He achieved the honor of being inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame and the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy in the sport. He spent over 200 weeks in the top-10 of the Official World Golf Ranking between 1986 and 1990.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1951: Ben Hogan defends U.S. Open title.

In 1951, Ben Hogan successfully defended his title at the U.S. Open.

1974: Ranked #2 Amateur by Golf Digest

In 1974, Curtis Strange was ranked as the #2 amateur in the country by Golf Digest.

1976: Runner-up at Australian Open

In 1976, Curtis Strange finished as runner-up at the Australian Open.

1976: Ranked #9 Amateur by Golf Digest

In 1976, Curtis Strange was ranked #9 amateur in the country by Golf Digest, and planned to turn pro while still a junior in college.

1977: Runner-up at Colgate Champion of Champions

In 1977, Curtis Strange finished as runner-up at the Colgate Champion of Champions tournament.

1983: Played on Ryder Cup Team

In 1983, Curtis Strange played on his first Ryder Cup team.

1985: Led at The Masters

In 1985, Curtis Strange led midway through the final round at The Masters, but finished two strokes back.

1986: Official World Golf Ranking Debut

In 1986, Curtis Strange entered the top-10 of the Official World Golf Ranking. He remained in the top-10 for over 200 weeks between 1986 and 1990.

1986: Won ABC Japan-U.S. Match

In 1986, Curtis Strange won the ABC Japan-U.S. Match, an event on the Japan Golf Tour.

1987: Topped the Money List

In 1987, Curtis Strange topped the PGA Tour money list.

1988: Won U.S. Open and Topped Money List

In 1988, Curtis Strange won the U.S. Open and became the first to win a million dollars in official money in a season, also topping the money list for the year.

1989: Won Second U.S. Open

In 1989, Curtis Strange won his second consecutive U.S. Open and was a runner-up at the PGA Championship, one stroke back. This was his last win on tour.

1990: Runner-up at Daikyo Palm Meadows Cup

In 1990, Curtis Strange finished as runner-up at the Daikyo Palm Meadows Cup.

1990: Curtis Strange remains in top-10 of Official World Golf Ranking

In 1990, Curtis Strange remained in the top-10 of the Official World Golf Ranking, marking the end of a period of over 200 weeks in the top-10 since 1986.

1995: Played on Ryder Cup Team

In 1995, Curtis Strange played on his fifth Ryder Cup team.

1997: Commentary for Tiger Woods' Mercedes Championships Win

In 1997, Curtis Strange provided commentary for Tiger Woods' playoff win at the Mercedes Championships.

1997: Hired as Lead Golf Analyst for ESPN/ABC

In 1997, Curtis Strange was hired as the lead golf analyst for ESPN/ABC, working alongside Mike Tirico.

1999: Commentary for David Duval's 59 and Jean van de Velde's Collapse

In 1999, Curtis Strange provided commentary for David Duval's final round of 59 at the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic, and Jean van de Velde's collapse at The Open Championship.