Oswego, N.Y. — The New York State Golf Association has announced the induction of Wayne Levi, SUNY Oswego Class of 1974 graduate, PGA Tour standout, and one of the most successful golfers ever to emerge from New York State, into the NYSGA Hall of Fame. Levi's induction recognizes a decorated career that spans more than three decades and includes 12 PGA Tour victories, Ryder Cup representation, and national collegiate acclaim.
A native of Herkimer, N.Y., Levi began establishing his legacy locally as a member of the Oswego State golf team. He earned team MVP honors in both 1971 and 1972, captured the 1972 SUNYAC Championship, and went on to finish as the runner-up at the 1972 NCAA College Division Golf Championships, one of the highest national finishes in program history.
Levi turned professional in 1973 and qualified for the PGA Tour in 1977. His first professional victory came in 1978 at the Disney World National Team Championship (with partner Bob Mann), followed by his first individual PGA Tour win at the 1979 Houston Open, which also earned him his first invitation to the Masters Tournament.
Throughout the 1980s, Levi cemented his position among the Tour's most consistent competitors. His victories included the Pleasant Valley Classic (1980), Hawaiian Open (1982), where he famously topped legends Tom Watson and Arnold Palmer, the LaJet Classic (1982), the Buick Open (1983), and the B.C. Open (1984).
Levi reached the pinnacle of his career in the early 1990s. In 1990, he delivered one of the most dominant seasons in modern PGA Tour history, winning four tournaments, the BellSouth Classic, Centel Western Open, Canon Greater Hartford Open, and the Canadian Open. He earned more than $1 million in a single season for the first time and was named 1990 PGA Tour Player of the Year. The following year, he represented the United States as a member of the 1991 Ryder Cup Team.
Over the course of his PGA Tour career, Levi recorded:
· 12 PGA Tour victories
· 7 second-place finishes
· 84 top-10 finishes
· 373 cuts made in 542 starts
· More than $7.5 million in career earnings
Levi later continued his success on the Champions Tour, adding two titles: the 3M Championship (2003) and the Constellation Energy Classic (2004). His Champions Tour career included 301 cuts made in 309 starts, further solidifying his reputation for consistency and excellence.
Levi joins the NYSGA Hall of Fame as one of the most accomplished golfers in New York State history, a fitting honor for a champion whose career has left an indelible mark on the sport.
NYSGA Release Here
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