Player Profile - Bryce Molder

This week's player profile introduces golf fans to the American golfer Bryce Molder, winner of the 2011 Frys.com Open. Hailing from the American South, Molder was born in 1979 in Harrison, Arkansas. After completing his high school education in the town of Conway, Molder enrolled at Georgia Tech where he earned his degree in management.

During his high school and college years, Molder divided his time successfully between his studies and the game of golf which was to become his full-time occupation after college. While studying at Georgia Tech, Molder was a four-time first team All American, along with classmate Matt Kuchar, and was awarded Collegiate Golfer of the Year in 2001.

When Molder turned professional in 2001 he saw his golfing skills challenged as he made his debut on the US PGA Tour. Despite a strong showing in several early tournaments including the Reno-Tahoe Tournament in which he came third, Molder had a difficult first few years adapting to the extreme demands of top-tier professional golf. In 2002, sponsorship difficulties compelled the young player to hone his skills on the second-tier Nationwide Tour in preparation for his professional career.

Not to be discouraged, Molder rose to the challenges presented by the Nationwide Tour and set to work. By 2006, the young American was ranked 22nd and carded his first professional victory at the Miccosukee Championship. Following this victory, Molder returned to the PGA Tour as a more experienced player whose game had been weathered by almost five years of consistent tournament experience.

Following a settling-in season in 2007, Molder set his sights on victory as he carded top-30, top-20 and top-10 victories in 2008 and in 2009 he finished second at the St. Jude Classic. On Sunday, Molder was victorious for the first time on the PGA Tour as he won the 2011 Frys.com open in a playoff against Briny Baird.

Golfweather Editorial