Date of Birth: - 18thMay, 1951
Nationality: - Australian
Family: - Wife Pamela, Children Nicole and Kim
Turned Pro: - 1974
Hobbies: - Cards, fishing, shooting, theatre
Davis is one of the most popular players in golf. The jovial Australian was part of the "Australian invasion" of the European Tour in the Eighties. He caught the imagination of the golfing public with his colourful taste in clothes, particularly his Plus-Two's. In many respects, his clothing reflects his character.
Rodger turned professional relatively late in his career aged 23. Three years later, he really began to emerge as a name by winning three times on the Australian Tour. His success encouraged him to try for Europe and he obtained his European card the same year.
In 1979 at The Open in Lytham, Rodger was leading the Championship with five holes to go. Unfortunately, a certain Spaniard emerged from the pack to catch Rodger. Nonetheless, his fifth place behind Sevewas creditable and was the first time that Rodger made an impact on the British public.
The early part of the Eighties were disappointing for Rodger on the whole, apart from his first European victory in 1981. 1986 though saw him back to winning form when he beat Des Smyth in a play-off at the PGA Championship. Also winning the Dunhill Cup with Greg Norman and David Graham, he finished seventh in the Order of Merit before returning home to win the Australian and New Zealand Opens.
From there, Rodger has never looked back. He won every year from1988 to 1993 and the high points of his career have included: finishing runner-up in the 1987 British Open, winning a Porsche for a hole in one(Epson Grand Prix 1988), winning the Australian Order of Merit in consecutive years (1990 & 1991) and winning the prestigious Volvo Masters (Valderrama1991).
Following an injury hit season in 1992 (in which he still won twice), Rodger began 1993 in fine style beating his old rival Mark McNulty in a sudden death play-off at The Cannes Open. His confidence continued and good performances at The Irish Open, The Open, Scandinavian Masters and Belgian Open ensured another top thirty season in Europe. In 1994, Rodger continued his good form with strong performances in a number of tournaments, including a third place finish at the Honda Open.
The following seasons saw Rodger continue to be competitive on both the European and Australasian Tours as the Senior Tour beckoned.
Rodger has now made a smooth transition to the Senior’s Tour –having successfully obtained his card for the US Seniors Tour in 2002, care of a 3rdplace finish at Tour School.
He was recently successful in winning the Toshiba Classic.
CAREER VICTORIES
2003 Toshiba Seniors Classic
2003 Royal Carribean Golf Classic
2003 Brumo’s Memorial Classix
1993 Cannes Open
1992 SXL Sanctuary Cove Classic
1992 Coolum Classic
1991 AMP New Zealand Open
1991 SXL Sanctuary Cove Classic
1991 Volvo Masters
1990
