Couples proved he was best of the best by the end of 1991

On this day in 1991 Jamaica, Fred Couples won the first staging of the Johnnie Walker World Championship. Its funny to think about the Johnnie Walker World Championship and its inception, with murmurs of it rivaling the majors. “It’s a great tournament because of the field, but as far as being a major, I don’t think so,” Couples said. Boom-Boom was lights out in the final round of the event by opening with two birdies. After that he eagled the fifth while playing steady golf en route to a 5 under par 66. Couples finished with a 72-hole total of three-under 281 and the $525,000 first prize in the inaugural year of the richest tournament ever held.

Bernhard Langer, who began the day tied for the lead with Paul Azinger, shot an even-par 71 for a total of 285 to take the second-place prize of $295,000, while Azinger finished with a 72-286 to take third place and $190,000. Australians Greg Norman and Craig Parry tied for fourth at 287. Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo and Tom Purtzer were at 289.

“What really makes me feel good is the people I beat,” said Couples who moved to #6 in the World Rankings with the win.

Couples Stellar Play in 1991

With his victory, Couples culminated six brilliant months of golf that began with a third-place finish at the US Open at Hazeltine. In 14 tournament starts since the US Open, Couples was only out of the top six twice, and had three victories: the Federal Express St. Jude Classic, the B. C. Open and the Jamaica event.