40 Facts About Smylie Kaufman

Early Life and Background

Smylie Kaufman is a professional golfer who has made a name for himself on the PGA Tour. Let's dive into some interesting facts about his life and career.

1. Smylie Kaufman was born on November 30, 1991, in Birmingham, Alabama.
2. His full name is Carter Smylie Kaufman, but he goes by his middle name, Smylie.
3. Kaufman attended Vestavia Hills High School, where he played on the golf team.
4. He comes from a family of golfers; his grandfather, Alan Kaufman, was a golf coach at the University of Alabama.
5. Smylie’s brother, Luckie Kaufman, also played college golf at Tulane University.

College Career

Kaufman’s college years were pivotal in shaping his golfing skills and career trajectory.

6. Smylie attended Louisiana State University (LSU), where he played college golf.
7. During his time at LSU, he won two individual titles.
8. He was named to the All-SEC Second Team in 2013.
9. Kaufman graduated from LSU in 2014 with a degree in General Business.
10. He turned professional shortly after graduating from LSU.

Professional Career

Kaufman’s journey in professional golf has been marked by notable achievements and memorable moments.

11. Smylie Kaufman earned his first professional win at the 2015 United Leasing Championship on the Web.com Tour.
12. This victory helped him secure his PGA Tour card for the 2015-2016 season.
13. Kaufman won his first PGA Tour event at the 2015 Shriners Hospitals for Children Open.
14. His victory at the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open came with a final round of 61, one of the lowest rounds in PGA Tour history.
15. Kaufman’s win qualified him for the 2016 Masters Tournament.

Masters Tournament and Major Appearances

Competing in major tournaments is a significant milestone for any golfer, and Kaufman has had his share of experiences.

16. Smylie Kaufman made his Masters debut in 2016.
17. He was in the final pairing on Sunday at the 2016 Masters, playing alongside Jordan Spieth.
18. Kaufman finished T29 in his first Masters appearance.
19. He has also competed in the U.S. Open, The Open Championship, and the PGA Championship.
20. His best finish in a major came at the 2017 PGA Championship, where he finished T12.

Personal Life

Beyond the golf course, Kaufman has a life filled with interesting hobbies and personal milestones.

21. Smylie Kaufman married his longtime girlfriend, Francie Harris, in 2018.
22. The couple got engaged in 2017 during a trip to the Bahamas.
23. Kaufman is known for his close friendship with fellow golfers Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, and Rickie Fowler.
24. The group of friends is often referred to as the "Spring Break Boys" due to their annual vacations together.
25. Kaufman is an avid fan of the New Orleans Saints and LSU Tigers.

Challenges and Comebacks

Every athlete faces challenges, and Kaufman is no exception. His resilience is part of what makes his story compelling.

26. Smylie Kaufman has struggled with injuries, including a nagging wrist injury that affected his performance.
27. He has also faced challenges with his swing, leading to periods of inconsistent play.
28. Despite these setbacks, Kaufman has remained determined to return to top form.
29. He has worked with various coaches to improve his game and regain his confidence.
30. Kaufman has shown flashes of his old form in recent tournaments, indicating a potential comeback.

Off the Course

Kaufman’s interests and activities off the course add another layer to his personality.

31. Smylie Kaufman enjoys fishing and often shares his fishing adventures on social media.
32. He is involved in charity work, including supporting the Shriners Hospitals for Children.
33. Kaufman has participated in various charity golf events to raise funds for different causes.
34. He has a dog named Charlie, who often makes appearances on his social media accounts.
35. Kaufman enjoys traveling and exploring new places with his wife, Francie.

Fun Facts

Here are some fun and lesser-known facts about Smylie Kaufman that fans might find interesting.

36. Smylie’s favorite golf course is Augusta National, home of the Masters.
37. He has a superstition of marking his golf ball with a blue Sharpie.
38. Kaufman’s favorite food is sushi, and he often seeks out sushi restaurants while on tour.
39. He is a fan of country music and enjoys attending concerts when he has time off.
40. Kaufman’s nickname, “Smylie,” was given to him by his grandmother, who thought he was always smiling as a baby.

Smylie Kaufman: A Golfer's Journey

Smylie Kaufman’s career is a testament to perseverance and passion. From his early days in Alabama to making waves on the PGA Tour, he’s shown what dedication can achieve. His journey hasn’t been without challenges, but his resilience keeps him swinging. Off the course, Smylie’s personality shines through his social media, where he shares his life and love for the game with fans. His friendships with other golfers, like Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas, highlight the camaraderie in the sport. Whether he’s winning tournaments or facing setbacks, Smylie’s story inspires many. His commitment to golf and his ability to connect with fans make him a standout figure. As he continues his career, we can expect more exciting moments from this talented golfer. Smylie Kaufman’s journey is far from over, and golf enthusiasts will be watching closely.