Maryland Golf Hall of Fame Class of 2026: Fred Funk

Fred Funk was born in Takoma Park, Maryland, and grew up competing in multiple sports before golf took hold. He played at High Point High School in Beltsville, worked his way onto the University of Maryland golf team after an initial setback, and graduated in 1980 before serving as the Terrapins' golf coach from 1982 to 1988, remaining deeply connected to his home state even as his professional career was building.

Before joining the PGA TOUR, Funk established himself as one of the dominant players in the Middle Atlantic region, winning the Maryland Open in 1983 and 1987, the MAPGA Professional Championship three consecutive years from 1987 to 1989, and both the MAPGA and National PGA Assistant Professional Championships in 1984. He joined the PGA TOUR in 1989 and broke through with his first Tour victory at the Shell Houston Open in 1992. Over a career spanning 650 events with 452 cuts made, he recorded eight PGA TOUR victories. His defining moment came in 2005 when he captured THE PLAYERS Championship, becoming the event's oldest winner at 48 years old. He represented the United States on the 2004 Ryder Cup team and at the Presidents Cup in 2003 and 2005.

When Funk joined the PGA TOUR Champions in 2006, his success continued at a remarkable pace. Playing 356 events and making 341 cuts, a 96% rate, he won nine times, including three Champions Tour Majors: the 2009 U.S. Senior Open and the JELD-WEN Tradition in 2008 and 2010. He was inducted into the University of Maryland Athletic Hall of Fame, the Maryland State Athletic Hall of Fame, and the Middle Atlantic Golf Association Hall of Fame. Beyond his playing career, Funk established the Bill Deck/Fred Funk Family Scholarships through the MAPGA, which continue to provide educational funding each year to children and grandchildren of MAPGA members, a lasting legacy of generosity to the region and game that shaped him.