Topic: Gary Koch

Gary Koch (born November 21, 1952) is an American professional golfer, sportscaster and golf course designer, who has played on the PGA Tour, Nationwide Tour and Champions Tour.

Koch was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In 1969, at the age of 16, he became the youngest player to win the Florida Open. A year later, he won the U.S. Junior Amateur. He attended C. Leon King High School. The 1969 King High golf team is widely considered one of the best high school golf teams ever assembled. The team consisted of Koch, Eddie Pearce, Brian Hawke and Phil Reid. Their team would go on to win the Florida high school state title, setting a scoring record that stood for 30 years. He attended the University of Florida, and was a distinguished member of the golf team and member of the 1973 NCAA Championship team. His teammates at Florida included fellow future PGA Tour professionals Woody Blackburn, Andy Bean, Phil Hancock, and Andy North. By the time he graduated in 1974, he was a three time, first-team All-American who had won 10 collegiate tournaments and finished second in two NCAA Championships. He turned professional in 1975.

Koch won six events as a professional on the PGA Tour during the 1970s and 1980s. His career year in professional golf came in 1984 when he finished 17th on the money list and captured two titles: the Isuzu-Andy Williams San Diego Open and the Bay Hill Classic.