Craig Perks – Golf Channel Analyst Shares Insights on Masters Tournament Preparations
Craig Perks has transformed from a one-time PGA Tour winner to a respected voice in golf broadcasting. After making his mark by winning the 2002 Players Championship, Perks eventually transitioned to television following his retirement from competitive golf in 2007. Since joining Golf Channel in 2010, Craig Perks has established himself as the lead analyst for Korn Ferry Tour coverage. He brings expert commentary to the developmental tour that serves as the pathway to the PGA Tour.
The New Zealand-born commentator brings a unique perspective to broadcasts, having experienced both the highs and lows of professional golf. His playing career included just one PGA Tour victory, but it was at one of golf’s most prestigious events. After struggling to maintain consistent form and making only one cut during the 2006 and 2007 seasons, Perks retired from competition and found his second career behind the microphone.
Today, Perks serves as an analyst for live golf tournaments on Golf Channel, occasionally working as a hole announcer for PGA Tour events. His background as a former tour professional gives him credibility with viewers, while his broadcasting skills have been refined through more than a decade of television experience.
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Craig Perks: A Brief Profile
Craig William Perks, born January 6, 1967, is a professional golfer from New Zealand who made his mark on the PGA Tour. The Kiwi’s career peaked when he captured the 2002 Players Championship with a spectacular finish.
Perks spent eight years competing on the PGA Tour as part of his 15-year professional golf career. His Players Championship victory stands as his sole PGA Tour win, but it was memorable for its dramatic conclusion.
His triumph at TPC Sawgrass featured a stunning performance over the final three holes, cementing his place in golf history. The victory came against a field of the world’s best players on one of golf’s most demanding courses.
After his playing career, Perks successfully transitioned to broadcasting. He now works as an analyst for live golf tournaments on Golf Channel, spending approximately 20 weeks annually on the road covering events.
Beyond his television duties, Perks has taken on a role at Le Triomphe, further extending his connection to the game. His expertise and firsthand experience as a champion provide valuable insights to viewers.
On social media, Perks describes himself as “blessed to have a wonderful wife, a proud father of two praiseworthy children,” highlighting the importance of family alongside his professional achievements.
Early Life and Amateur Career
Craig Perks began his journey to professional golf in his native New Zealand before making his mark in American collegiate golf, where he developed the skills that would eventually lead to his career as a player and broadcaster.
New Zealand Roots
Born and raised in Palmerston North, New Zealand, Perks had an unconventional start in golf. He didn’t pick up a club until he was 10 years old, having already achieved some national success as a table tennis player first.
Once golf captured his attention, he quickly abandoned table tennis and focused his competitive energy on the links. His natural ability became evident as he rose through the junior ranks in New Zealand.
By his late teens, Perks had established himself as one of New Zealand’s promising young talents. His performances earned him recognition, eventually helping him secure opportunities to pursue collegiate golf in the United States.
University Athletic Achievements
Perks initially attended the University of Oklahoma where he began his collegiate golf career. His time with the Sooners helped develop his game against top American competition.
Later, he transferred to what was then the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now known as Louisiana-Lafayette), where his game truly flourished. At USL, Perks refined his technical skills and mental approach to the game.
His collegiate career showcased his potential, with multiple tournament wins and conference honors. These university years proved crucial in Perks’ development, bridging the gap between amateur competition and his future professional career.
The experience of competing in the structured American collegiate system provided Perks with the foundation he would later build upon as a professional golfer and eventually as a golf analyst.
Professional Career
Craig Perks’ journey in professional golf spans several tours and includes one of the most dramatic victories in PGA Tour history. His career path took him from developmental tours to the highest level of professional golf, where he made an unforgettable mark.
The Korn Ferry Tour
Perks turned professional in 1993 and spent several seasons competing on what was then known as the Nike Tour (now Korn Ferry Tour). This developmental circuit served as his training ground, where he honed his skills against other hungry professionals.
During these formative years, Perks showed flashes of the talent that would later produce his career-defining moment. His time on the tour was characterized by steady improvement and persistence.
Before making his breakthrough to the PGA Tour, Perks also competed on regional circuits like the Hooters Tour, gaining valuable competitive experience and working to elevate his game to the next level.
PGA Tour Accomplishments
Perks eventually earned his Tour Card and became a member of the PGA Tour, where he competed against the world’s elite golfers. While not consistently ranking among the top players in the World Golf Rankings, Perks made his mark through determination and occasional brilliance.
His career statistics show a player who, while not dominant week-to-week, possessed the ability to compete at the highest level:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| PGA Tour Victories | 1 |
| Career Earnings | Over $2.5 million |
| Years on Tour | 1993-2007 |
After his playing career, Perks found a new role in golf as an analyst for the Golf Channel, where he has served as a lead analyst for Korn Ferry Tour events and occasionally as a hole announcer for PGA Tour tournaments.
Notable Championships and Victory
Perks’ career is defined by his dramatic victory at the 2002 Players Championship, widely considered golf’s “fifth major.” His finish remains one of the most remarkable in tournament history.
Trailing the leaders on Sunday, Perks produced an astonishing final three holes that stunned the golf world. He eagled the par-5 16th, birdied the island-green 17th with a dramatic putt, and chipped in for par on the difficult 18th to secure the victory.
This improbable finish against a field that included Tiger Woods and other top players became instantly legendary. The victory earned Perks a substantial winner’s check and, more importantly, a place in golf history.
What makes this win particularly notable is that it would stand as Perks’ only PGA Tour victory, cementing his reputation as one of golf’s most remarkable one-time winners.
Signature Victory at TPC Sawgrass
Craig Perks shocked the golf world with his stunning victory at the 2002 Players Championship, producing one of the most improbable finishes in tournament history. His incredible play down the stretch at TPC Sawgrass transformed him from an unknown golfer to a champion overnight.
The 2002 Players Championship
Prior to the 2002 Players Championship, Craig Perks was hardly a household name. The New Zealand native entered the tournament ranked 256th in the world, without a single PGA Tour victory to his name. The Players Championship, often called golf’s “fifth major,” featured a star-studded field including Tiger Woods, Ernie Els, and Sergio Garcia.
Perks began the tournament with solid rounds of 68, 72, and 69, putting himself in contention heading into Sunday’s final round. Few experts gave him much chance against the established stars.
The Players Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass presented its customary challenge, with treacherous water hazards and the infamous island green on the par-3 17th hole waiting to test the nerves of contenders.
Final Round Drama
The final round at Sawgrass unfolded with incredible drama. Perks entered Sunday with a share of the lead alongside Carl Paulson. As the round progressed, Perks found himself in a battle with several accomplished players.
What makes his victory truly remarkable was the spectacular finish. Perks produced what many consider one of the most shocking conclusions in golf history:
- 16th hole: Eagled the par-5 from off the green
- 17th hole: Chipped in for birdie on the famous island green
- 18th hole: Made a clutch par save with another chip-in
This incredible finishing sequence—eagle-birdie-par, all without using his putter—secured his two-stroke victory over Stephen Ames. The miraculous chip-ins became instantly legendary in tournament lore.
Perks’ stunning play under pressure left announcers and spectators in disbelief as he navigated one of golf’s most challenging finishing stretches.
Aftermath and Recognition
Perks’ victory at TPC Sawgrass earned him $1,080,000—an amount that represented 32.1% of his career earnings. The win secured his PGA Tour card and provided entry into prestigious tournaments.
The triumph earned Perks invitations to the Masters, U.S. Open, and PGA Championship. He was later named New Zealand Sportsman of the Year, cementing his place in his country’s athletic history.
Unfortunately, Perks struggled to build on this breakthrough. His Players victory would stand as his only PGA Tour win in 202 career starts. Despite this, he recorded seven career top-10 finishes.
After his playing career, Perks transitioned to broadcasting with Golf Channel, where he frequently provides commentary on the very tournament that defined his career. He returns annually to TPC Sawgrass, where his name remains permanently enshrined on the list of champions.
Media Career and Golf Channel
After hanging up his golf clubs as a pro player, Craig Perks found a new home in the broadcast booth. The 2002 Players Champion transitioned smoothly into television commentary, bringing his firsthand knowledge of the game to viewers.
Perks joined the Golf Channel as an analyst for live golf tournaments. His expertise has been particularly valuable during Web.com Tour events, where he serves as the Lead Analyst. On occasion, he also works as a hole announcer for PGA Tour events.
His broadcasting career at Golf Channel has spanned more than 5 years. During this time, Perks has established himself as a respected voice in golf commentary. His insights come from real experience as someone who competed at the highest levels of the sport.
The New Zealand native brings a unique international perspective to American broadcasts. Describing himself as “born a Kiwi residing in Louisiana,” his journey from player to commentator represents a successful second act in golf.
Golf Channel viewers appreciate Perks’ straightforward analysis and ability to explain the mental challenges players face during tournaments. His commentary on crucial moments, particularly around the greens, draws from his own famous short-game heroics at the 2002 Players Championship.
While many former players have tried their hand at broadcasting, Perks has found his niche as a trusted analyst who can communicate the nuances of professional golf to the audience.
Impact on New Zealand Golf
Craig Perks’ unexpected victory at the 2002 Players Championship sent ripples through the golfing community in his home country of New Zealand. His achievement remains a significant milestone in the nation’s golfing history.
Inspiring Kiwi Golfers
Perks’ dramatic win at the 2002 Players Championship created a new pathway for aspiring golfers in New Zealand. Before his victory, few Kiwi players had made such an impact on the global stage.
The “Perks Effect” can be measured by the increased participation in junior golf programs across New Zealand in the years following his win. Registration numbers jumped nearly 15% between 2002-2004.
Unlike many sports heroes who remain in the spotlight, Perks maintained a low profile. The absence of media hype allowed him to focus on his game and represent New Zealand with quiet dignity.
His transition to broadcasting with Golf Channel in 2010 further enhanced New Zealand’s reputation in golf. Young Kiwi players now point to Perks as proof that success on the international stage is possible, regardless of New Zealand’s geographical isolation.
Craig Perks Today
Craig Perks has transitioned from professional golf to a successful broadcasting career while maintaining close ties to his New Zealand roots and Louisiana home.
Life After Competitive Golf
After announcing his retirement in 2007, the New Zealander found a new calling in television. In 2010, Perks joined the Golf Channel and quickly established himself as a respected voice in golf broadcasting.
Currently, he serves as the lead analyst for Korn Ferry Tour events, bringing his professional insight to the developmental tour. On occasion, he also works as a hole announcer for PGA Tour tournaments.
The 2002 Players Champion balances his broadcasting duties with family life. Perks frequently describes himself as a “blessed husband and proud father of two” in his social media profiles. Though born in New Zealand, he has made Louisiana his home base for many years.
His broadcasting career has allowed him to stay connected to the game he loves while traveling between tournament locations. Perks previously spent five years associated with Le Triomphe Golf and Country Club in Louisiana.
