Ken Green: The Fearless Golfer Who Defied The Odds
Discover the inspiring story of Ken Green, a talented golfer known for his fearless style and powerful comeback after personal tragedy. Learn how he made his mark on the PGA Tour and beyond.
Jul 27, 20254K Shares192.2K Views
Ken Greenstands out in golf history not just for the wins he collected, but for the battles he overcame off the course. He won five times on the PGA Tour during the 1980s, including key victories in 1985 and 1989. Known for his bold personality and colorful behavior, he earned many fines but also made his mark as a fearless competitor. After a tragic 2009 RV accident that took his brother, girlfriend, and dog—and cost him his right leg—Green chose to keep swinging, returning to professional golf less than a year later. His story is one of survival, resilience, and ongoing passion for the game.
Early Life
Ken Green was born on July 23, 1958, in Danbury, Connecticut. When he was around 11 or 12 years old, his family moved to Honduras because his father took a job as the principal of the American School in Tegucigalpa. Growing up there, his only choices for sports were soccer or golf, so he began playing golf at age 12. He left school at age 16 to chase his dream of becoming a professional golfer and earned his GED in December 1976. After that, he spent a year at Palm Beach Junior College in Florida before earning a scholarship to play golf at the University of Florida. From 1977 to 1979, he competed on the Florida Gators men’s golf team and earned second-team All‑Southeastern Conference honors in 1979.
Amateur Career
Ken Green spent one year at Palm Beach Junior College in Lake Worth, Florida, before earning an athletic scholarship to the University of Florida in Gainesville. He played on the Florida Gators men's golf team from 1977 through 1979 under coaches Buster Bishop and John Darr. During his college golf years, he became a second-team All‑Southeastern Conference selection in 1979, recognizing him as one of the top players in his conference.
While his college record shows that he did not win many major amateur titles, he did take home the 1978 Azalea Invitational. This early win helped him build confidence and credibility before turning professional in 1979.
Professional Career
Ken Green turned professional in 1979 and began playing on the PGA Tour in 1980. Over the mid to late 1980s, he won five PGA Tour events. His first title came at the Buick Open in 1985. His most successful year was 1988 when he won two events, and in 1989 he secured his final PGA Tour victory at the Kmart Greater Greensboro Open. That same year, he also won the Dunlop Phoenix tournament in Japan and earned a spot on the U.S. Ryder Cup team, recording a 2–2 record in matches.
Green earned around $3.7 million and had 44 top‑10 finishes on the regular PGA Tour before losing his Tour card in 2000 due to personal challenges and poor results. He then played in some Nationwide Tour events (now Korn Ferry Tour), trying to regain his status.
Ken was known for his rebellious side. He received many fines from the PGA Tour for actions like sneaking friends into The Masters in his car trunk, drinking beer on the course, swearing, and making jokes about officials. Despite that, he earned respect for his strong spirit and honest style.
His life took a tragic turn in June 2009 when an RV accident killed his brother, girlfriend, and dog, and led to the amputation of his lower right leg. Doctors told him he might not be able to play again. Choosing to push forward, he returned to competition less than a year later. In April 2010, he finished tied for 26th at the Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf—his comeback debut under a year after the accident.
Ken joined the PGA Tour Champions (the senior tour) after turning 50, though he struggled to get full playing status and had few starts. He continued to compete while wearing a prosthetic leg, sometimes using all-green tape on his prosthesis as a personal symbol. In recent years, he has played in adaptive golf tournaments like the U.S. Adaptive Open and several state senior events. Despite nerve pain and physical limits from amputation, he continues to play regionally and occasionally in Champions Tour events, earning respect for his persistence.
Although he no longer plays full time, Ken Green remains a symbol of determination. He has shared his story through his autobiography Hunter of Hope: A Life Lived Inside, Outside and On the Ropes. He uses his experience to encourage others facing hardship and to raise awareness about life after loss.
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