Hunter Mahan often displays the cool, laid-back demeanor and
fashion-forward style of a California kid yet also possesses the fiery
intensity he learned growing up playing the game in Texas. Finding a
balance between the two has led to success at every level of
competitive golf and, combined with his signature look - blond hair,
sunglasses and classy, colorful shield-tip FJ golf shoes - has helped
him become an ICON in the game.
Hunter was born in Orange, CA
but spent most of his life in Texas. It was here that his golf career
really took hold as he won the 1999 Texas 5A High School Championship
and the 1999 USGA Junior Championship. He entered college as the top
ranked junior golfer in the country and enjoyed immediate and continued
success at USC and Oklahoma State. With a career's worth of victories,
accolades and awards, including a 28th place finish at his first
Masters, Hunter turned pro following his junior year and had little
trouble earning and keeping his Tour card. Mahan wasn't always the
picture of Zen, however, and it wasn't until a heated discussion with
his sports psychologist at the U.S. Open Qualifier in 2006 that Mahan's
career began to really blossom. No longer focusing on poor shots and
missed opportunities, Mahan's new positive outlook led him to even
greater success, including his first PGA Tour victory and a stellar
showing in his first Ryder Cup where he led the United States team in
scoring and was one of only two players to play in all five matches.
With his signature style and cool demeanor, Hunter Mahan will surely be
a golf ICON for years to come.