Name: Craig David Parry
DOB: 12th Jan 1966
From: Sunshine, Victoria, Australia
Height: 5ft 6in
Turned Pro: 1985
Currently: Living in Sydney Australia
Professional Victories: 22
Craig Parry's first career victory was in 1987 at the New South Wales Open, (an event he won again in 1992) and later that year won the Canadian TPC. In 1992 he won three of Australia's top four tournaments, placing first at the Australian PGA Championship, the New South Wales Open and the Australian Masters, where he has also won 3 times (1992, '94 and '96). He has also won six events on the European Tour including the 2005 Heineken Classic narrowly edging out fellow Australian Nick O'hearn. Parry played the European Tour on a regular basis from 1988 to 1991 and from 1992 until 2006 he played mainly on the PGA Tour, winning the NEC Invitational at Sahalee in 2002 and at Doral in 2004, when he holed a 6-iron from the 18th fairway for eagle on the first playoff hole. Since 2007 he has concentrated on playing the lucrative Japan Golf Tour and the PGA Tour of Australasia. Parry told The Australian Associated Press his main reasoning behind the decision is a shorter commute from Australia, and where he has a 10-year exemption from winning the 1997 Japan Open:
“It’s not a hard decision,” Parry said. “I’m a little sick of the jet lag. It’s a decision more about lifestyle than prize money. It’s about getting to a place and feeling healthy and ready to play. I’ve had a good time in the States, but it’s time to go home.”
On winning the Australian Open in 2007 after 24 attempts:
"I've worked pretty hard over my whole career, and this is the one I wanted," said Parry, wiping tears from his eyes. "I've been runner-up a few times, finished third, been up there on the leaderboard, but never won it."
"This has obviously meant a lot to me for a long time," he said. "(In) '84 I was leading amateur and Tom Watson was the champion. I've been close a few times, runner-up a couple of times and top three about eight times and just could never get there."
Craig Parry gets out of trouble very nicely with a great bunker shot on the 9th hole at The Australian Golf Club during the second round of the 2007 Australian Open.
Craig Parry winning moment at the 2007 Australian Open
Parry is married with 3 children and is involved in many charities, including his support of the Craig Parry Mercy Hospice Charity golf day, which he has been involved in for several years. More info here:
