Michael Christie (golfer)
Michael Christie (June 25, 1969 – April 22, 2004) was an American professional golfer who played on the PGA Tour, Nationwide Tour and NGA Hooters Tour.
Early life and amateur career
Christie was born in Greenville, South Carolina. He was an All-American at the University of South Carolina in 1992.
Professional career
In 1993, Christie got his start in professional golf by qualifying for the 1993 U.S. Open where he finished T-52. He won his first pro tournament on the Nike Tour at the 1995 Carolina Classic in Raleigh, North Carolina by shooting a tournament record of 22-under-par. He played on the Nike Tour from 1994 to 1996 winning four times and earned his PGA Tour card as a result of his three victories in 1996, finishing second Stewart Cink on the money list. Christie played on the PGA Tour from 1997 to 2000; his best finish was a tie for sixth at the Greater Vancouver Open in 1997.
Christie began experiencing debilitating physical ailments beginning in 1998 which curtailed his golfing career. Through several surgeries, he attempted comebacks to the professional ranks through 2003.[1][2]
In addition to his successes on the PGA and Nationwide Tours, Christie won twice on the Hooters Tour. His teammates at the University of South Carolina included current pros Carl Paulson and Brett Quigley.
Personal life
In 2004, Christie committed suicide at the age of 34.[1][2]
Professional wins (6)
Nike Tour wins (4)
| No. | Date | Tournament | Winning score | Margin of victory |
Runner-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jun 25, 1995 | Nike Carolina Classic | −22 (68-66-66-66=266) | 2 strokes |  Sean Murphy
|
| 2 | May 26, 1996 | Nike Greater Greenville Classic | −23 (68-65-69-63=265) | 6 strokes | Danny Ellis
|
| 3 | Aug 25, 1996 | Nike Permian Basin Open | −18 (68-71-66-65=270) | 2 strokes | Anthony Rodriguez
|
| 4 | Sep 14, 1996 | Nike Utah Classic | −20 (66-63-67=196) | 4 strokes | R. W. Eaks
|
Hooters Tour wins (2)
| No. | Date | Tournament | Winning score | Margin of victory |
Runner-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jul 24, 1994 | Bud Light Golf Classic | −20 (65-68-66-65=264) | 4 strokes | Bo Fennell
|
| 2 | Jun 11, 1995 | Chattanooga-Hamilton County Classic | −18 (66-69-65-70=270) | 1 stroke | Jack O'Keefe
|
Results in major championships
| Tournament | 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Open | T52 | T79 |
"T" = tied
Note: Christie only played in the U.S. Open.
See also
References
- ^ a b "2004: Newsmakers – Christie tragedy a tale of despair". Golfweek. October 11, 2004.
- ^ a b Kann, Kraig (April 30, 2004). "Golf and Life and Death Too". Golf Channel. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved September 12, 2014.
External links
- Michael Christie at the PGA Tour official site