Steve Melnyk (golfer)
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Steve Melnyk (born February 26, 1947) is an American professional golfer and golf broadcaster best known for his success as an amateur golfer. He won both the U.S. Amateur and British Amateur.
Melnyk was born in Brunswick, Georgia. He attended the Glynn Academy in Brunswick and graduated from the University of Florida in 1969 with a degree in industrial management. He was a three-time All-American at Florida and helped his team win their first NCAA Division I Golf Championship in 1968.
In 1969, Melnyk won the U.S. Amateur at Oakmont Country Club, shooting a 2-over-par 286 to beat Vinny Giles by five shots at stroke play.[1] In 1971 he added the British Amateur with a 3 & 2 victory over fellow American Jim Simons at Carnoustie Golf Links. He also had wins at the Western Amateur and Eastern Amateur and played on the 1969 and 1971 Walker Cup teams. He won the 1965 Georgia Open as an amateur. He was low amateur in the 1970 British Open (T-41) and at the 1971 Masters Tournament (T-24).
Melnyk turned professional in 1971 after his British Amateur win and started playing on the PGA Tour. He did not find the success he had as an amateur carry over to his professional career. He did not win on the PGA Tour managing four second place finished: 1973 Phoenix Open, 1974 Houston Open, 1979 First NBC New Orleans Open and the 1981 Pensacola Open. His best finish in a major was a tied for 12th at the 1972 Masters Tournament. He did win the 1972 Masters Par 3 Contest.
At the 1982 Phoenix Open, Melnyk slipped and broke his right elbow. While recuperating for the injury, he became a on-course reporter for CBS Sports. He resumed playing later that year and both played and reported through the 1984 season when he retired from playing. He stayed with CBS until 1992 when he joined ABC Sports, where he continues working. He has also designed or co-designed several golf courses.[2]
Melnyk was inducted into the University of Florida Hall of Fame in 1970, the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame in 1992,[3] and the Florida Sports Hall of Fame.
Melnyk lives in Jacksonville, Florida.
[edit] Tournament wins
- 1965 Georgia Open (as an amateur)
- 1969 U.S. Amateur, Western Amateur
- 1970 Eastern Amateur
- 1971 British Amateur
