Gary Koch, Golfer Turned Broadcaster
Full name: Gary D. Koch
Date and place of birth: November 21, 1952, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Significant Pro Wins
1976 Tallahassee Open
1977 Florida Citrus Open
1983 Doral-Eastern Open
1984 Isuzu-Andy Williams San Diego Open
1984 Bay Hill Classic
1988 Panasonic Las Vegas Invitational
The above tournaments constitute Koch's total of six PGA Tour victories. As a junior, Koch won the 1970 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship.
In the Majors
Gary Koch had four career Top 10 finishes in the majors. His best finish was a tie for fourth place at the 1988 British Open. The 1973 U.S. Open was his first appearance in a major, and the 2001 U.S. Open was his last.
Notable Notes: Gary Koch turned pro in 1975 and got off to a hot start, winning PGA Tour titles in 1976 and 1977. He then went through a lean period before reigniting in 1984 with his two biggest wins, including Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Classic. Koch had his best money list finish that year, 17th.
Never won on Champions Tour, but did have three runner-up finishes. Never played full-time, however, due to his broadcasting requirements. ... Did have three "unofficial wins" partnering NBC colleague Roger Maltbie in the Legends of Golf's Raphael Division.
Koch began broadcasting in 1990 with ESPN, then became a staple on the NBC Sports golf broadcasting team. ... Koch is probably most-famous as a broadcaster as the voice on Tiger Woods' "better than most" putt. ... In addition to broadcasting, also works in the golf course design field. ... Johnny Miller once said that the best putter he ever saw was the 17-year-old Gary Koch. ... Koch made a putting instructional video in 1990 called Gary Koch on Putting (The Master System To Better Golf) .
Played on U.S. Walker Cup teams in 1973 and 1975. ... His University of Florida college golf team won the 1973 NCAA championship. His college teammates included Andy North and Andy Bean.
