David Feherty

David Feherty has had two careers - the first as a professional golfer, the second and most enduring, as a commentator on the game for US networks CBS, NBC and The Golf Channel.

The generation who grew up watching Tiger Woods since his professional debut in 1996 came to know, and mostly love, the often irreverent, but always entertaining input from David Feherty on television.

Born in Bangor, County Down on August 13, 1958, David showed early promise as a budding opera singer but golf gradually became his passion.

He learned the game at Bangor GC, and at age 17 turned professional.

David had a short stint at Mid-Herts GC before returning to Holywood GC in 1976, and later went to Balmoral GC as an assistant to Fred Daly, winner of The Open Championship in 1947.

His first big breakthrough came in the 1980 Irish PGA Championship held at Royal Dublin, when, aged 22, he won the title and became the youngest champion in the tournament’s history.

The Ulsterman’s 283 for nine-under par was three shots better than runner-up Hugh Jackson of Donabate.

David enjoyed a solid career as a Tour professional, winning five times on the European Tour: Italian and Scottish Opens (1986); BMW International Open (1989); Cannes Open (1991); and Madrid Open (1992).

He captained Ireland to a Dunhill Cup win in 1990, and played on the European Ryder Cup team at Kiawah Island in 1991, beating Payne Stewart 2&1 in the singles.