Kaye, Jonathan

Kaye, a member of the PGA Tour since 1995, won his first career PGA title on Sunday, June 22, 2003 at the Buick Classic. On a rain-soaked course, he sank a 12-foot eagle on the first hole of a playoff to defeat John Rollins. Kaye, who previously finished second in five tour events (including a playoff loss at the Reno-Tahoe Open in 2002), said of the win, "I don't think it's sunk in yet. That's why we're all out here -- to win. It's nice to finally come out on top." The previous week at the U.S. Open, Kaye had tied for tenth his first top ten finish in a major.

Birth and Death Dates:
Aug. 2, 1970

Career Highlights:
A self-taught golfer, Kaye grew up in Colorado and attended the University of Colorado, where he won the 1992 Ping Intercollegiate title in a playoff over Phil Mickelson. The following year, he turned professional and then joined the PGA Tour in 1995. Kaye missed the majority of the 1996 and 1997 seasons after having rotator cuff surgery, although he played in a number of Tour events. In 1998, he regained his Tour card after tying for second at the PGA Tour qualifying tournament and has remained on the tour since.

1999 proved to be a turning point in Kaye's professional career. He recovered from his injury and registered five top 10 finishes, including a second place finish at the Las Vegas Invitational. That year at the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic, Kaye shot a second round 84 and followed with a third round 63 -- his 21 shot turnaround was the best on the PGA tour in 15 years! Kaye finished the 1999 season on the top 50 money list for the first time in his career.

In 2000, Kaye had a career-high 11 top 25 finishes (including a second place finish at the inaugural SEI Pennsylvania Classic) and surpassed the $1 million mark for the first time in his career. The following year, Jonathan had only one top 10 finish, but made the cut 26 times in 33 starts and finished in the top 100 money list for the third consecutive year.

In 2002, Kaye finished 60th on the money list and had two second place finishes: at the Canon Greater Hartford Open and the Reno-Tahoe Open (where he lost in a playoff to Chris Riley). He competed in 27 events during 2002 and finished in the top 10 four times.

Origin:
Denver, Colorado

Physical description:
5'11", 165 pounds

< Previous |  Next >