United States
Profile: Scott Verplpank
| Born | Dallas, Texas |
|---|---|
| age | 42 |
| height | 5ft 9in |
| Turned Pro | 1986 |
| World ranking | 37 |
| Appearances | (1) 2002 |
| Won | Lost | Halved | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singles | 1 | - | - |
| Foursomes | 1 | 1 | - |
| Fourball | - | - | - |
| Total | 2 | 1 | - |
| Win Rate | 65% |
Scott Verplank might have been considered a surprise wild card given that he was selected ahead of the hugely experienced pair of Davis Love and Fred Couples.
That said the 42-year-old made his debut in 2002 at the Belfry and acquitted himself well by picking up two wins from three outings. Verplank is a steady player but still lacks the type of flair Love or Couples would have brought to the American side.
In 2002 he was also a wild card pick by the then captain Curtis Strange. In doing so he became the first rookie to become a captain’s choice.
Verplank has won four times on the US Tour and also secured the individual title at the 1998 World Cup. He overcame a rare ailment called plantar fascitis - injury to his right foot - during the 2004 season but still managed to finish among the top 30 on the US money list.
In fact Verplank has been unlucky with injury throughout his career. In 1992 he required surgery on his elbow and played the first part of season under a medical exemption. In 1996 he required surgery on his elbow again and received a medical extenstion for the 1997 season but still secured his card by finishing 97th.
- Paul Gallagher