We see them often in the moments after the final putt drops. The spouses and partners of the world’s best players celebrating victories in front of TV cameras on golf’s biggest stages.
What we don’t see all that often are the sacrifices and the daily acts of support that wives, husbands and partners offer without much fanfare. On social media many share those details increasingly more with their fans. But you may not know that among the significant others at golf’s elite level, there are college coaches, former Division I golfers and basketball and tennis players, long-drive champs and social media gurus.
Here’s a fun look at some of golf’s great power couples:
Sergio and Angela Garcia
Sergio Garcia celebrates with Angela Garcia (née Akins) after winning the 2017 Masters. Angela is a part of University of Texas royalty, as the daughter of former UT QB Marty Akins and having herself played on the college golf team. The couple was married in 2017. They have one child, aptly named Azalea.
Rickie Fowler and Allison Stokke
Rickie Fowler is congratulated by his fiancée Allison Stokke after winning the 2019 Waste Management Phoenix Open. Stokke was a pole vaulter at Cal after setting national records in high school.
Bubba and Angie Watson
Bubba has enjoyed remarkable success on the PGA Tour, amassing 12 victories, two Masters green jackets and $42.0 million in career earnings. But he has long maintained his greatest success story is the adoption of two children with his wife, Angie. Bubba and Angie Watson’s struggle to adopt was difficult. They have since become outspoken advocates for adoption are part of a foundation that provides post-adoption support. The two met at the University of Georgia, where Angie played basketball and Bubba played golf. She went on to play in the WNBA.
Stacy Lewis and Gerrod Chadwell
Stacy Lewis hugs her husband Gerrod Chadwell after her victory in the 2017 LPGA Cambia Portland Classic. Chadwell coaches the University of Houston women’s golf team.
Dustin Johnson and Paulina Gretzky
Dustin Johnson and Paulina Gretzky walk during Saturday four-ball matches of the 2017 Presidents Cup. A model and actress, Gretzky has more than 740K followers on Instagram.
Matt and Sybi Kuchar
Matt Kuchar poses for a photo with his wife Sybi and two sons (Carson and Cameron) after winning the Sony Open in Hawaii. Sybi was a stellar tennis player at Georgia Tech, where the couple met.
Brittany Lincicome and Dewald Gouws
Brittany Lincicome poses with her then fiance Dewald Gouws during the Morgan & Friends event at St Andrews Country Club Boca Raton, Florida, in 2015. Now married, the two recently announced they’re expecting a new baby. Gouws is a long drive champ.
Gerina and Martin Piller
Gerina and Martin Piller in Tampa during a photo shoot for Golfweek. The couple balance playing on tour with parenting.
Henrik and Emma Stenson
Henrik Stenson of Sweden, his wife Emma, son Karl and daughter Lisa celebrate at the DP World Championship in 2013. Emma played golf at the University of South Carolina.
Tiger Woods and Erica Herman
Tiger Woods keeps a tight circle on the road while traveling. It includes girlfriend Erica Herman, a constant presence with him at nearly every tournament. She was there with Woods and his children to celebrate Tiger’s 80th career PGA Tour victory at the 2018 Tour Championship
Patrick and Justine Reed
The Reeds enjoyed a triumph at Augusta National and later generated a ton of headlines with some post-Ryder Cup controversy. Reed keeps a small group of people in his inner circle, with his wife being at its epicenter.
Jordan Spieth/Annie Verret
The long-time couple met in high school and tied the knot in November. Verret is very active in various charitable efforts and has worked as an event coordinator for The First Tee of Greater Dallas, which looks to inspire underprivileged children through golf, and The Birthday Party Project, which looks to host birthday parties for homeless children.
Jack and Barbara Nicklaus
Set to celebrate their 59th anniversary in June, Jack and Barbara Nicklaus remain golf’s reigning Royal Couple. Barbara Nicklaus won often has been referred to as the “First Lady of Golf,” and has focused her attention and influence on youth-related charitable causes and volunteerism. In 2015, she won the USGA’s Bobby Jones Award.
