Homegrown Excellence: Five of Wisconsin's Famous Golf Heroes

Golf might not be the first sport that springs to mind when thinking about Wisconsin, a state more often associated with cheese, beer, and the Green Bay Packers football team. However, beneath its rolling hills and beside its iconic lakes, Wisconsin has quietly produced some of the most respected and accomplished names in professional golf. These golfers have reached the upper echelons of the PGA and LPGA Tours while also becoming symbols of dedication, discipline, and Midwestern resilience.

Aspiring golfers across the state often look to seasoned professionals for inspiration, especially when things don't go as planned on the golf course. The five Wisconsin golfers this article highlights prove that championship-caliber golfers can be forged on Wisconsin soil when hard work meets talent.

Steve Stricker: The Gentleman Golfer Who Became a Legend

No list of Wisconsin golf icons would be complete without Steve Strickler. Strickler turned professional in 1990 at 23 and joined the PGA Tour four years later. It didn't take long for those placing golf bets online to sit up and notice Strickler's ability as he notched two victories and seven top-ten finishes in 1996.

Known for his calm demeanor and precise short game, Stricker's career has been one of steady excellence rather than sudden flashes of brilliance. His world ranking peaked in 2009 when the PGA ranked him second, a remarkable achievement considering the depth of competition during that era.

Although Stricker has never won a major, he boasts 12 PGA Tour victories and is regarded as one of the best putters in the modern era. And let's not forget Stricker's renowned leadership qualities. He captained Team USA in the 2021 Ryder Cup, guiding the United States to a 19-9 victory at Wisconsin's Whistling Straits.

Jerry Kelly: Madison's Fiercely Competitive Favorite

Born, raised, and still residing in Madison, Jerry Kelly is another name that Wisconsin golf enthusiasts find pride in. Kelly turned professional in 1989, the same year he graduated from the University of Hartford, but didn't earn his PGA Tour card until 1996. It may have taken some time for Kelly's career to ignite, but the wait was worth it, and he eventually found great success on the PGA Tour.

Kelly captured a trio of PGA Tour victories and was consistently in the mix during the 2000s, peaking at number 18 in the world in March 2003. However, it is Kelly's performances on the PGA Tour Champions circuit where he has truly flourished. With 13 wins and regularly finishing near the top of the money list since joining in 2017, Kelly refuses to fade quietly into the background. Even in his 50s, Kelly remains a fierce competitor, proving age is just a number when you combine passion with purpose.

Andy North: Two-Time Major Champion and Proud Badger

Andy North may not have the household recognition of today's PGA Tour stars, but his legacy in Wisconsin is cemented through his accomplishments and unwavering loyalty to the state. Born in Thorp and now living in Madison, North briefly left Wisconsin to play for the University of Florida's Gators men's golf team between 1969 and 1972.

North turned professional in 1972, the same year he graduated with a bachelor's degree in business administration. In 2014, the University of Florida Athletic Hall of Fame inducted North as a "Gator Great."

Although North enjoyed only moderate PGA Tour success, including three victories, two of which were U.S. Open titles. The U.S. Open is arguably the most grueling and prestigious major championship, and North won it in 1978 and again in 1985.

Since hanging up his clubs, North has served as a respected golf analyst for ESPN, providing commentary and analysis with the same thoughtful approach he brought to the course. Additionally, North has been an active promoter of golf in Wisconsin, often appearing at local events and charity tournaments. He is a champion, an ambassador, and an iconic figure in the state's golf history.

Mark Wilson: The Quiet Achiever with Five PGA Tour Titles

Hailing from Menomonee Falls, Mark Wilson received the Ben Hogan Award in 1996, which is given to the best college golf player in the United States. Wilson turned professional in 1997, primarily playing on the NGA Hooters Tour, before earning his PGA Tour card in 2003.

Although he enjoyed the first of his five PGA Tour event wins in 2007, it wasn't until 2011 that Wilson was catapulted into the national spotlight when he captured a pair of titles. In 2012, Wilson won his fifth PGA Tour event and saw his world ranking soar to a career-high 24th.

Wilson now works as a full-time golf commentator for PGA Tour Radio, among other outlets. He and his wife, Amy, are also heavily involved in charity work.

Skip Kendall: A Journey Marked by Heart and Resilience

Skip Kendall may not have enjoyed the same mainstream spotlight as others on this list, yet his story resonates deeply with those who understand the grind of professional golf. Born in Madison in 1964, Wilson finished second in the state as a sophomore and a senior before attending the University of Nevada-Las Vegas in 1987.

Kendall turned pro in 1987 and spent most of his career navigating the highly competitive fields of the PGA Tour and what is now the Korn Ferry Tour. Although he never captured a PGA Tour title, Kendall was a four-time winner on the Korn Ferry Tour and achieved a 69th world ranking in 1999. A tenth-place finish in the 1998 edition of the PGA Championship was the closest Kendall came to winning one of golf's majors.

Unlike some players who fade from the scene, Kendall fought year after year to retain his PGA Tour status, never giving in to the challenges he faced. Those who understand that golf success is not always linear can gain comfort and motivation from Kendall's career. He is living proof that you can win admiration and earn a living from this game through sheer determination, tenacity, and a passion for golf.