Corey Pavin is an American professional golfer best known for winning the 1995 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills. He recorded 15 PGA Tour victories and reached a career-high position of No. 2 in the Official World Golf Ranking.
Corey Pavin was one of the leading golfers of the 1990s despite not being among the tour’s longest hitters. His success was built on accuracy, course management, shot-making, and a strong short game. He also represented the United States in three Ryder Cups and captained the American team in 2010.
Profile Summary
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Corey Allen Pavin |
| Date of birth | November 16, 1959 |
| Age | 66 as of July 2026 |
| Birthplace | Oxnard, California |
| Nationality | American |
| College | University of California, Los Angeles |
| Turned professional | 1982 |
| PGA Tour victories | 15 |
| Total professional victories | 28 |
| Major championships | One |
| Major title | 1995 U.S. Open |
| Highest world ranking | No. 2 |
| PGA Tour Champions victories | One |
| Ryder Cup appearances | 1991, 1993, and 1995 |
| Ryder Cup captaincy | United States, 2010 |
| Spouse | Lisa Nguyen |
| Children | Austin, Ryan, and Alexis |
Early Life and Background
Corey Pavin was born in Oxnard, California, on November 16, 1959. He developed his golf game in Southern California and emerged as a successful amateur while still a teenager.
At age 17, Pavin won the Los Angeles City Amateur Championship. The result strengthened his profile as a young competitive golfer and helped him advance to the college level.
Pavin attended the University of California, Los Angeles, where he played for the UCLA Bruins. His college experience prepared him for professional competition, although his route to the PGA Tour was not immediate.
He turned professional in 1982 but failed to advance through that year’s PGA Tour qualifying process. Pavin responded by competing internationally, an early indication of the persistence that would characterize his career.
Career and Professional Journey
International Breakthrough
Pavin earned his first professional victory at the 1983 Lexington PGA in South Africa. It came during only his fourth tournament as a professional.
Later that year, he won the German Open by three strokes over Seve Ballesteros. His performances outside the United States gave him valuable experience and helped establish his professional credentials.
First PGA Tour Success
Corey Pavin’s first PGA Tour victory came at the 1984 Houston Coca-Cola Open. He finished the season as the PGA Tour Rookie of the Year.
He continued winning throughout the 1980s. His titles included the Colonial National Invitation, two Hawaiian Opens, the Greater Milwaukee Open, the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic, and the Texas Open.
Corey Pavin’s game differed from that of players who relied primarily on driving distance. His strengths were precision, tactical decision-making, recovery shots, and putting.
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Leading the PGA Tour in 1991
The 1991 season was one of Pavin’s strongest. He won twice, led the PGA Tour money list, and earned $979,430.
That total made him the last player to lead the tour’s annual earnings list with less than $1 million. Prize funds increased considerably during the following years.
Pavin received the Arnold Palmer Award as the tour’s leading money winner and was named the PGA of America Player of the Year. He remained among the game’s leading competitors throughout the first half of the decade.
Winning the 1995 U.S. Open
Pavin entered the final round of the 1995 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills three strokes behind Greg Norman and Tom Lehman. Difficult conditions placed a premium on accuracy and control.
He closed with a two-under-par 68 to finish the championship at even-par 280. Pavin defeated Norman by two strokes to claim his only major title.
The defining moment came on the 72nd hole. From approximately 228 yards, Pavin hit a 4-wood approach that finished close to the flag. He raised both arms before the ball reached the green, creating one of the most familiar images of his career.
The approach allowed him to complete the victory without a late mistake. The USGA’s championship history records Pavin as the two-stroke winner over Norman.
Career-High World Ranking
Corey Pavin won the Bank of America Colonial in 1996 and rose to No. 2 in the Official World Golf Ranking. It was the highest ranking of his career.
The victory was followed by a prolonged period without another PGA Tour title. Although Pavin continued competing, he did not win again on the tour for 10 years.
He ended that drought at the 2006 U.S. Bank Championship in Milwaukee. The title was his 15th and final PGA Tour victory.
During the tournament’s opening round, Pavin shot 26 over the first nine holes. The eight-under-par performance established a PGA Tour record for the fewest strokes over a nine-hole stretch.
Ryder Cup Career
Pavin represented the United States at the Ryder Cup in 1991, 1993, and 1995. The American team won the first two of those competitions.
He returned in a leadership role as an assistant captain under Tom Lehman in 2006. Two years later, the PGA of America selected Pavin to captain the 2010 U.S. team.
The 2010 Ryder Cup was held at Celtic Manor in Wales. Europe defeated the United States 14½–13½ after a closely contested competition affected by extensive weather delays.
PGA Tour Champions
Corey Pavin became eligible for the senior circuit in 2009 and began competing more regularly on what is now called PGA Tour Champions.
He earned his first victory on the circuit at the 2012 Allianz Championship. Pavin defeated Peter Senior with a birdie on the first hole of a sudden-death playoff.
His official career profile lists one PGA Tour Champions victory alongside his 15 titles on the main tour.
Major Achievements and Recognition
Pavin has 28 recorded professional victories, including 15 on the PGA Tour. His international record includes wins in South Africa, Europe, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.
His most important achievement remains the 1995 U.S. Open. It was his only major victory, but he also recorded notable results in the other three men’s majors:
- Third at the 1992 Masters
- Tied for fourth at the 1993 Open Championship
- Second at the 1994 PGA Championship
In addition to his 1991 awards, Pavin was named PGA Tour Rookie of the Year in 1984. He spent an extended period among the world’s top-ranked players and reached No. 2 in 1996.
Pavin was inducted into the Ventura County Sports Hall of Fame in 2002. His record reflects sustained achievement across professional tournaments, team golf, and international competition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Corey Pavin?
Corey Pavin is an American professional golfer and the winner of the 1995 U.S. Open. He recorded 15 PGA Tour victories during his career.
How many major championships did Corey Pavin win?
Pavin won one major championship. He captured the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills in 1995.
How did Corey Pavin win the 1995 U.S. Open?
He shot a final-round 68 and finished at even-par 280. Pavin defeated Greg Norman by two strokes after hitting a memorable 4-wood approach on the final hole.
What was Corey Pavin’s highest world ranking?
Pavin reached No. 2 in the Official World Golf Ranking in 1996.
Did Corey Pavin captain the U.S. Ryder Cup team?
Yes. He captained the United States at the 2010 Ryder Cup in Wales, where Europe won by one point.
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Conclusion
Corey Pavin developed from a successful Southern California amateur into a 15-time PGA Tour winner and major champion. After beginning his professional career overseas, he established himself as one of the tour’s most consistent competitors during the 1980s and 1990s.
His 1995 U.S. Open victory, secured with a celebrated final-hole approach at Shinnecock Hills, remains his defining accomplishment. His record also includes a No. 2 world ranking, three Ryder Cup appearances, a Ryder Cup captaincy, and success on PGA Tour Champions.