Bio
Ben Fox is a 23 year old California native who has brought his game to the world stage. Along with 2 professional wins, Ben’s resume includes experience on the PGA, Asian, and European tours. Ben will spend 2011 as a fully exempt player on the Asian Tour where he will compete in a wide variety of Asian Tour and European Tour events with many opportunities to play his way into the World Golf Championships and the Majors. He will also target specific events on the PGA Tour.
“I grew up in Los Angeles and spent my youth competing in golf tournaments in the United States, but now I’m seeing the world and loving it,” Ben declares as he recounts his round-the-world adventures. “The world experience has been an eye opener, a huge confidence booster, and has made me a better, stronger player.” He is the youngest American with full Asian Tour status and beams when recounting his experiences abroad. His US passport contains entry stamps in 2010 from UK, Spain, Turkey, India, Brunei, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Taiwan, Singapore and Hong Kong.
Ben’s success as a professional results from a tireless work ethic and support from long time coach Brady Riggs, trainer Michael Pauldine, and a committed family. ”I have been so lucky to have had Brady, Mike and my family supporting me from the beginning. They are the reason I have been able to get better at such a fast rate.”
Ben, a natural athlete who excelled at youth hockey and baseball, was introduced to the game by his cousin Alex when he was 11. Unlike many of his peers, Ben did not grow up on the golf course, and instead spent his childhood on ice rinks and baseball diamonds. He admits, “Starting late in the game had its downsides but playing other sports was awesome and I wouldn’t have traded for anything.” Ben credits his intense competitive nature to his days playing hockey. ”As a little guy on the ice you learn how to scrap, grind and fight for every inch. I’m constantly drawing on these experiences when on the course.”
When Ben was 14 he gave up hockey and baseball to focus on golf. He honed his skills on L.A. public courses under the watchful eye of coach Brady Riggs and showed fast improvement. He competed in local junior and amateur events, and several years later earned a golf scholarship to the University of Arizona. Ben’s amateur career included winning the California State Junior Amateur, Pac10 Freshman Honors and winning the Southwest Amateur Championship.
After turning professional in 2008, Ben has taken his game to the world stage. In his first year as a professional, he was featured as a member of the Canadian Tour. As a rookie on the Asian Tour in 2010, Ben earned three top 20 finishes on his way to becoming one of only three American players to retain their playing privileges for 2011. Ben also won the 2010 Sierra Nevada Open and had is best finish on the PGA tour (t26) at the 2010 Reno-Tahoe Open.
Ben has an amazing ability to keep getting better. In just 10 years playing golf he has reached unexpected heights and shows no signs of slowing down. 2011 might just be his breakout year.
Follow Ben on Twitter in 2011 to get up to date information on his progress and an inside look at his exciting journey.
