Curtis Strange's Success and Achievements in Timeline

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

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Curtis Strange. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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: 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.

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.

1988: Ping Golden Putter Replica

In 1988, after Curtis Strange won the U.S. Open, Ping presented him with a golden putter replica of the Ping Zing 2 he used to win. A second one was made for the Ping Gold Putter Vault.

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: 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.