Feature: Fred Couples

Age: 48
Height: 5-11
Weight: 185
Birthdate: October 3, 1959
Birthplace: Seattle, WA
College: University of Houston
Turned pro: 1980
PGA Tour wins: 15
Majors: 1 (1992 Masters)

With a swing like his, it's hard not to like Fred Couples. He's had a great career on the PGA Tour, including a win at the '92 Masters and sits 20th on the career earnings leaderboard with $20 million. If you're a golf fan, you've probably enjoyed his calm demeanor, striding down the fairways at Augusta, cool as a cucumber.

This past year, he tied Gary Player's Augusta record for 23 straight cuts made at the Masters. In '06, he nearly won the thing, finishing 3rd. But that's been about it for F.C. in the last little while. Back problems have hampered his game in recent years, and unfortunately, limited his play on Tour. He plans to play in the Masters in April, but if his back doesn't hold up, he's taking the year off. He'll probably spend some time in Laguna Beach, where my Dad met him less than 2 years ago. He wanted my Dad to take a picture of him and his wife at a great nacho bar, Los Brisas. In return, my dad asked for an autograph, obviously. They chatted, but not about golf. About the Ottawa Senators. Apparently Freddy's a big Sens fan and even gave a 'Go Sens Go'. I now have the coaster he signed along with a signed photo from the '92 Masters framed on the wall.

He finished off '07 in pretty good fashion for a 48-year-old. ie: completing a stretch of tournaments including a 2nd place finish at the LG Skins Game netting him $325,000; a 9th place finish in Naples with partner John Daly; and $175,000 from Tiger's tournament.

I think it's time to accept the fact that Couples' best rounds are behind him. But, maybe his back will hold up and he'll have some success on the Champions Tour. After all, they only play 3-round tournaments. Until then, though, he'll always have the option to play the Masters every year. He's been a great player to watch and has had a HOF-worthy career. Thanks Freddy!

Before Tiger Woods...there was Fred Couples (YouTube)