PERSONAL
Playing schedule was envy of many on the PGA TOUR. Never played more than 25 events in any PGA TOUR season and never more than 20 tournaments in a single season after 1988.
Lists Don January and Miller Barber as his heroes.
Started in golf at age 5 by his brother, Duane. Credits Duane and Henry Homberg, a local Texas professional, for having the greatest influences on his game when he first started playing.
Biggest thrill in golf was winning his first PGA TOUR event (1977 Tucson Open) and also being involved in the 1999 Ryder Cup as assistant captain to Ben Crenshaw.
Favorite course is Muirfield Village, home of the PGA TOUR's Memorial Tournament.
Is a big drag racing and auto racing fan.
Has a large collection of muscle cars. The crown jewel of his collection is a 1967 yellow Corvette Stingray convertible, with the largest engine available—a 435-horse big block Chevrolet engine. Bought the car from Gil Morgan in 1982.
His dream job would be an engine builder for any race team.
First car he ever owned was a 1970 bright orange Plymouth Roadrunner.
Lists Tom Hanks and Bruce Springsteen as his favorite entertainers and drag racing legend Don Garlits as his favorite athlete.
Best friend on the Champions Tour is Bill Rogers.
Wife, Rose, and Jerry Pate's wife, Soozi, are sisters.