Professional golfer and grandson of Arnold Palmer, known for competing on the PGA Tour and Web.com Tour, and carrying on his grandfather's legacy in the golf world.
Sam Saunders is an American professional golfer and the grandson of the legendary Arnold Palmer. He has made a name for himself in the golfing world, following in his grandfather's footsteps and carving out his own path to success.
Born on July 30, 1987, in Orlando, Florida, Saunders grew up surrounded by the golfing world. His parents, Roy and Amy Palmer Saunders, instilled in him a love for the game from a young age. Saunders attended Trinity Prep in Winter Park, where he honed his skills and eventually won his second club championship at Bay Hill Club and Lodge by an impressive 17 strokes.
This achievement earned him an invitation to the 2006 PGA Tour event hosted by his grandfather, giving him a taste of the professional circuit early on. Saunders went on to attend Clemson University in South Carolina, where he played golf and eventually turned pro after skipping his senior season.
In 2011, Saunders played a total of 13 events, including eight on the PGA Tour, where he achieved a best finish of 15th at Pebble Beach. He also participated in the Nationwide Tour, finishing tenth in Panama. That same year, Saunders made it to the final stage of the tours qualifying school but finished tied for 109th, missing out on earning a PGA Tour card.
Undeterred, Saunders finished 50th on the 2012 Web.com Tour season in his first full professional season. He continued to work his way up the ranks, earning his tour card through qualifying school in 2014. In 2015, he finished 13th in the Web.com Tour Finals, securing his PGA Tour card for the 2015 season.
One of Saunders' most notable achievements came on September 29, 2017, when he shot an incredible 59 in the first round of the Web.com Tour Championship, including a 6-birdie finish. This impressive performance showcased his skills and marked a highlight in his professional career.
In the 2017-18 PGA Tour season, Saunders earned $981,936 and placed 120th in the FedEx Cup standings. The following season, he earned $413,887 and placed 173rd in the FedEx Cup standings.
In August 2019, Saunders suffered a serious injury, incurring a compound fracture of the clavicle in a motorized skateboard accident. He stated that he expected to be out for 4-6 months, a significant setback in his professional career.
Despite this challenge, Saunders remains committed to his craft. He is married to Kelly, and they reside in Atlantic Beach, Florida, with their two sons, Cohen and Ace.
Saunders' playoff record stands at 0-1 in the PGA Tour and 0-1 in the Korn Ferry Tour.
Sam Saunders' career may still be unfolding, but his achievements and dedication to the game have earned him a place among the golfing elite. As the grandson of Arnold Palmer, he carries the legacy of his grandfather while forging his own path and inspiring a new generation of golfers.
Saunders' story is one of perseverance, passion, and a commitment to excellence. As he continues to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the golfing world, fans and fellow golfers alike will be watching with great interest.
50 Years Old
A dominant force in golf, winning 15 major championships and holding numerous records, revolutionizing the sport with his athleticism and charisma.
36 Years Old
A four-time Major winner and one of the most dominant golfers of his generation, known for his incredible driving distance and accuracy.
32 Years Old
A three-time major champion and former world number one, known for his clutch putting and dominant play in the mid-2010s.
41 Years Old
A dominant force in professional golf, winning numerous tournaments including two majors, and holding the number one ranking for a record 135 weeks.
35 Years Old
A dominant force in modern golf, winning four majors in a span of eight starts, including back-to-back victories in the U.S. Open and PGA Championship.
55 Years Old
A legendary golfer with a record 44 PGA Tour victories, including five major championships, known for his incredible short game and clutch performances.
56 Years Old
A legendary golfer with over 70 professional wins, including four major championships, and now a respected sportscaster sharing his expertise with the world.
55 Years Old
A professional golfer with a unique swing style, holding the record for the lowest score in PGA Tour history with a 58 at the 2016 Travelers Championship.
