Trevor Immelman
The South African golfer who tamed Augusta National to claim a Masters green jacket, realizing a childhood dream inspired by his idol.
Born 1979 (age 47)·South African professional golfer·Birthday: December 16·Generation X
Biography
Trevor Immelman's victory at the 2008 Masters was a story of precision and poise under the brightest spotlight. Growing up in South Africa, he idolized Gary Player, and his game was built on a foundation of crisp ball-striking and a meticulous short game. After a successful early career on the European Tour, including a win at the 2006 Western Open, he arrived at Augusta with quiet confidence. That week, he withstood both the pressure of leading a major and a physical challenge, battling a stomach virus to hold off a charging Tiger Woods. Slipping on the green jacket was the culmination of a lifelong ambition. While injuries later curtailed his peak, Immelman transitioned seamlessly into broadcasting and golf administration, now serving as a respected chairman of the World Golf Ranking board, shaping the game from a different vantage point.
Generation X
1965–1980
The latchkey kids. Raised during divorce, recession, and the end of the Cold War. Skeptical, self-reliant, media-literate. They invented indie culture, grunge, and the early internet — then watched the Boomers take credit.
Trevor was born in 1979, placing them squarely in the Generation X. The events that shaped this generation — economic uncertainty, the end of the Cold War, and the rise of personal computing — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Trevor Was Born
The biggest hits of 1979
#1 Movie
Kramer vs. Kramer
Best Picture
Kramer vs. Kramer
#1 TV Show
Laverne & Shirley
Trevor's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1979Born
Iran hostage crisis begins; Three Mile Island accident
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $37,900Min wage: $2.90/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"My Sharona" — The KnackBest Picture: Kramer vs. Kramer
1984Started school
Apple Macintosh introduced
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $59,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"When Doves Cry" — PrinceBest Picture: Amadeus
1992Became a teenager
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
1995Could drive
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
1997Could vote
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
2000Turned 21
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2009Turned 30
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2019Turned 40
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 47 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the 2008 Masters Tournament, securing his first and only major championship victory.
- Served as the captain of the International Team for the 2022 Presidents Cup held at Quail Hollow Club.
- Appointed as the Chairman of the Official World Golf Ranking board in 2021.
- Won two PGA Tour events: the 2006 Western Open and the 2008 Masters.
Did You Know?
He received a text message of encouragement from his idol, Gary Player, during the final round of his 2008 Masters victory.
He won the U.S. Public Links Amateur championship in 1998, which traditionally came with an invitation to the Masters (he missed the cut in 1999).
He served as a studio analyst for CBS Sports and Golf Channel before taking on his role with the OWGR.
His brother, Mark Immelman, is a well-known golf commentator and coach.
“I've always been a fighter. I've always been a grinder.”
