Ricky Barnes
An American golfer who shot to fame as a U.S. Amateur champion and nearly captured the 2009 U.S. Open in a stunning underdog run.
Born 1981 (age 45)·American professional golfer·Birthday: February 6·Millennials
Biography
Ricky Barnes carried the weight of expectation from the moment he won the 2002 U.S. Amateur, a victory that promised a glittering professional future. The son of a former NFL punter, Barnes possessed a classic, powerful swing and a California-cool demeanor. His professional journey, however, became a testament to perseverance. The defining moment came at Bethpage Black in 2009, where he held the 36-hole lead at the U.S. Open as a relative unknown, ultimately finishing a heroic second. That week proved his talent belonged on the biggest stage, even if the consistent PGA Tour victory eluded him. Barnes carved out a long, respectable career as a grinder, his name forever etched in U.S. Open lore for a weekend where he captivated the golf world.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Ricky was born in 1981, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Ricky Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Ricky's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Could drive
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Finished as runner-up at the 2009 U.S. Open, leading after 36 and 54 holes as a relative underdog.
- Won the 2002 U.S. Amateur Championship, defeating Hunter Mahan in the final match.
- Played on the victorious 2002 United States Walker Cup team as an amateur.
- Earned his PGA Tour card and maintained status for multiple seasons, recording several top-10 finishes.
- Won the 2013 Mexico Open on the Web.com Tour (now Korn Ferry Tour).
Did You Know?
His father, Bruce Barnes, was a punter for the New England Patriots in the NFL.
He was a college teammate of PGA Tour player Ryan Moore at the University of Arizona.
He played in the 2003 Masters Tournament as the U.S. Amateur champion, making the cut.
He is an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots.
He married former LPGA Tour player Suzanne Stork in 2013.
“The game gives you nothing; you have to take it from the course.”
