Corey Pavin Biography: Age, Height, Wife, Career, 1995 U.S. Open Win, Ryder Cup Captain, Net Worth & Facts

Corey Pavin is one of the most accomplished and respected figures in professional golf, a player who turned raw determination into a Hall of Fame-caliber career spanning more than four decades. Best known for his legendary 1995 U.S. Open victory at Shinnecock Hills and his role as the 2010 U.S. Ryder Cup captain, the Oxnard, California native has won on five continents, earned over $16 million in prize money, and remains a competitive force on the PGA Tour Champions well into his sixties. From his UCLA dominance to his unforgettable 4-wood on the 72nd hole at Shinnecock, Pavin’s story is one of precision, perseverance, and pure competitive fire.

Quick Facts

Early Life & Education

Corey Allen Pavin was born on November 16, 1959, in Oxnard, California, to Jack and Barbara Pavin. He grew up in Ventura County, where he first picked up a club and showed immediate promise. By age 17, he had already won the Los Angeles City Amateur Championship and the Junior World Championship, signaling that he was far more than a casual junior golfer.

Pavin’s talent earned him a scholarship to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he became one of the most decorated collegiate golfers in school history. During his four years with the Bruins, Pavin posted 11 victories, earned first-team All-American honors in 1979 and 1982, and was named the NCAA Player of the Year in 1982. His UCLA teammates included future PGA Tour players Steve Pate, Jay Delsing, Tom Pernice Jr., and Duffy Waldorf. He also represented the United States at the 1981 Maccabiah Games in Israel, winning two gold medals in what is often called the “Jewish Olympics.”

Career Journey

Early Professional Years and International Success (1982–1984)

Pavin turned professional in 1982 and immediately took his game overseas. Rather than grinding through the American mini-tours, he spent his first full season competing internationally and won three times, including a victory on the European Tour and the South African PGA Championship. That global success earned him a spot at PGA Tour Q-School at the end of 1983, which he passed with flying colors.

His rookie season on the PGA Tour in 1984 was nothing short of spectacular. Pavin won the Houston Coca-Cola Open, finished second twice, and ended the year 18th on the money list—an extraordinary debut that announced his arrival among golf’s elite.

Prime Years and the “Best Player Never to Win a Major” (1985–1995)

From 1986 to 1997, Pavin spent more than 150 weeks ranked inside the top 10 of the Official World Golf Rankings, peaking at No. 2 in June 1996. He was a model of consistency, posting five top-10 finishes on the PGA Tour money list between 1985 and 1996. In 1991, he topped the money list with $979,430 in earnings and was named both PGA Tour Player of the Year and leading money winner.

Despite his success, Pavin carried an unwanted label: the “best player never to win a major.” He had come close, finishing third at the 1992 Masters, second at the 1994 PGA Championship, and tied for fourth at the 1993 Open Championship. But the major breakthrough remained elusive.

The 1995 U.S. Open and Major Glory

Everything changed on June 18, 1995, at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club. Pavin entered the final round of the U.S. Open three strokes behind Greg Norman. By the 71st hole, he had clawed his way to a one-shot lead. Standing on the 72nd tee, with the championship hanging in the balance, Pavin pulled a 4-wood and struck one of the most iconic shots in golf history. From 228 yards, he sent the ball soaring onto the green, where it stopped just five feet from the cup. He two-putted for par, secured a two-shot victory over Norman, and finally silenced the doubters.

That 4-wood is still regarded as one of the greatest pressure shots of the 1990s and cemented Pavin’s place in golf lore.

Later PGA Tour Career and Champions Tour (1996–Present)

Pavin won the Nissan Open in 1995 and the MasterCard Colonial in 1996, bringing his PGA Tour victory total to 15. But as equipment technology shifted toward distance, Pavin’s game—built on precision rather than power—began to struggle. He remained one of the shortest drivers on tour, often averaging in the 250–260 yard range while competitors routinely cleared 300 yards. His ranking dropped to 169th on the money list in 1997.

Still, Pavin never stopped competing. In 2006, he won the U.S. Bank Championship in Milwaukee, his 15th and final PGA Tour title, setting a tour record with a score of 26 on the front nine during the first round. He joined the Champions Tour in 2010 and earned his first senior victory in 2012. As of 2025, he continues to compete on the PGA Tour Champions, posting results including a T32 at the Mitsubishi Electric Championship and a T19 at the Hoag Classic.

Ryder Cup Legacy

Pavin represented the United States in three Ryder Cups as a player—1991 (winning side at Kiawah Island), 1993 (winning side at The Belfry), and 1995 (losing side at Oak Hill). In 2006, he served as an assistant captain to Tom Lehman. In 2010, he was named the 26th U.S. Ryder Cup captain and led the American squad at Celtic Manor in Wales, where they narrowly fell to Europe 14.5 to 13.5.

Career Stats

PGA Tour:

• 661 career starts
• 15 wins
• 172 top-10 finishes
• 232 top-25 finishes
• 471 cuts made
• Career earnings: $16,842,353

Major Championships:

• U.S. Open: 1 win (1995), 1 top-10
• Masters Tournament: 1 third-place finish (1992)
• PGA Championship: 1 second-place finish (1994)
• The Open Championship: 1 tie for fourth (1993)

International Wins: 6 official professional victories across Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania

Champions Tour: 1 victory (2012)

Personal Life

Marriages and Family

Pavin married his first wife, Shannon Healy, in April 1983. The couple had two sons together, including Ryan, before eventually divorcing in the early 2000s. The divorce was a difficult period for Pavin; by 2010, reports indicated he had become estranged from his sons during a stretch when his game was also in turmoil.

In 2003, Pavin found stability again when he married Lisa Nguyen. The couple has been together for more than two decades. Lisa gained public attention during the 2010 Ryder Cup for her stylish and vocal support of Team USA, becoming a memorable figure in the event’s social scene.

Children

Pavin has two sons from his first marriage to Shannon Healy. While he has kept much of their lives private, he has spoken about the challenges of balancing fatherhood with the demands of professional golf. As of 2026, both sons are adults.

Hobbies and Interests

Away from the course, Pavin is an avid basketball fan and enjoys skiing. He also shares a passion for classic cars and home restoration, interests that align with his meticulous, detail-oriented personality. He has hosted the Corey Pavin Golf Classic in Ventura, California, benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County.

Controversies

Pavin has largely avoided major scandal throughout his career, though a few moments generated headlines. During the 1993 Ryder Cup, he made waves by initially refusing to meet President Bill Clinton before the matches, citing their differing political views. Pavin, a Republican, stated that he had voted for George H.W. Bush and was not particularly excited about the meeting. He eventually participated in the traditional presidential greeting.

His divorce from Shannon Healy and subsequent estrangement from his children during the early 2000s was a painful personal chapter, though Pavin has since maintained a more private family life with Lisa Nguyen.

Awards & Achievements

• 1991 PGA Tour Player of the Year
• 1991 PGA Tour Leading Money Winner ($979,430)
• 1995 U.S. Open Champion (Shinnecock Hills)
• 2002 Ventura County Sports Hall of Fame inductee
• 2010 U.S. Ryder Cup Captain
• 2012 PGA Tour Champions winner
• Two gold medals at the 1981 Maccabiah Games
• NCAA Player of the Year (1982)
• Two-time First-Team All-American (1979, 1982)
• Named to “The Big Book of Jewish Sports Heroes” (2007) as the 117th-greatest Jewish athlete
• Honorary stone at Bedlingtonshire Golf Club, Northumberland, England (“Corey Paving Slab” on the 7th hole)

Physical Statistics

Quotes

“It was just a 4-wood from 228 yards. I had been preparing for that moment my whole life.”
— On his iconic approach shot to win the 1995 U.S. Open.

“I was the only top Jewish player on the tour until 1991. That year, I converted to Christianity. It was a personal decision that changed my life in many ways.”
— On his faith journey.

“I’ve never been the longest hitter, but I’ve always believed that accuracy and heart can beat distance any day of the week.”
— On his playing style and competitive philosophy.

Favorites

Earnings

Corey Pavin’s estimated net worth is $12 million as of 2026. His financial portfolio includes:

• Prize money: Over $16.8 million in official PGA Tour career earnings
• Champions Tour earnings: Additional income from senior circuit events
• Real estate: Purchased a Brentwood, Los Angeles home for $3 million in 2007; listed it for $3.6 million in 2020. Also owned properties in Dallas and San Diego.
• Endorsements and appearances: Corporate outings, golf classics, and brand partnerships throughout his career

At his peak in the early 1990s, Pavin was among the highest earners on the PGA Tour, topping the money list in 1991 and finishing in the top five in both 1992 and 1995.

Interesting Facts

• “Bulldog” Nickname: Pavin earned his nickname for his tenacious, never-back-down competitive style on the course.
• Five-Continent Winner: He is one of the few golfers to win professional tournaments on five different continents.
• Hollywood Cameo: Pavin played himself in the 1996 golf comedy Tin Cup starring Kevin Costner, delivering the memorable line to Fred Couples about the protagonist’s name ending up beneath his on the U.S. Open trophy.
• Namesake: Professional baseball player Pavin Smith was named after Corey; Smith is the son of Pavin’s agent.
• Shortest Driver, Biggest Heart: For years, Pavin battled for the distinction of shortest driver on the PGA Tour, yet he still reached No. 2 in the world rankings through sheer accuracy and iron play.
• Maccabiah Games: Before turning pro, he won two gold medals at the 1981 Maccabiah Games in Israel.

Did You Know Already?

• Did you know Corey Pavin’s 1995 U.S. Open-winning 4-wood on the 72nd hole at Shinnecock Hills is considered one of the greatest shots in major championship history?
• Did you know he was the only top Jewish player on the PGA Tour until he converted to Christianity in 1991?
• Did you know he won professional golf tournaments on five different continents before he even turned 25?
• Did you know there is a stone named after him at Bedlingtonshire Golf Club in England called the “Corey Paving Slab”?

Social Media Links

Corey Pavin maintains a relatively low social media profile compared to modern athletes. Fans can follow updates through official golf tour channels and his foundation work.

• PGA Tour Profile: Corey Pavin
• European Tour Profile: Corey Pavin
• IMDb: Corey Pavin (for his Tin Cup cameo)

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Corey Pavin?
Corey Pavin was born on November 16, 1959. He is 66 years old as of mid-2026 and will turn 67 in November 2026.

What is Corey Pavin’s net worth?
His estimated net worth is $12 million as of 2026, built through over $16.8 million in PGA Tour prize money, Champions Tour earnings, and real estate investments.

How many times did Corey Pavin win on the PGA Tour?
Pavin won 15 times on the PGA Tour, including one major championship at the 1995 U.S. Open.

Was Corey Pavin a Ryder Cup captain?
Yes, he captained the 2010 U.S. Ryder Cup team at Celtic Manor in Wales. He also played on three U.S. Ryder Cup teams (1991, 1993, 1995) and served as an assistant captain in 2006.

Who is Corey Pavin married to?
He has been married to Lisa Nguyen since 2003. He was previously married to Shannon Healy from 1983 until their divorce in the early 2000s.

What is Corey Pavin doing now?
As of 2025 and 2026, Pavin continues to compete on the PGA Tour Champions, with recent finishes including a T19 at the Hoag Classic.

Conclusion

Corey Pavin’s career is a masterclass in doing more with less. While bigger hitters came and went, Pavin carved out a legendary resume through accuracy, grit, and an unshakable competitive spirit. From his UCLA dominance to his unforgettable U.S. Open triumph and his leadership of the 2010 Ryder Cup team, he has earned every accolade through sheer determination. Now in his mid-sixties and still teeing it up on the Champions Tour, the Bulldog remains a living reminder that in golf—and in life—heart often trumps horsepower.

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