Ben Curtis Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday Facts

Ben Curtis Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Ben Curtis is an American professional golfer renowned for his surprise win at the 2003 Open Championship and a subsequent career built around both competition and giving back.

Introduction

Ben Curtis (born May 26, 1977) is an American professional golfer whose breakthrough victory at the 2003 Open Championship transformed him from under-the-radar pro into a major champion and respected figure in the golf world. His estimated net worth is around US $5 million, according to multiple sources.  On the personal front, Curtis’s birthday is May 26 each year, and he is married to his longtime partner, Candace Curtis.  His journey from rural Ohio to the global links stage encapsulates both the highs of major victory and the slower pivot into mentorship, business and philanthropy.

Quick Facts (Table Summary)

From Ohio Greens to Global Triumph

Curtis’s story begins in Columbus, Ohio, where he was born and raised before his family moved to Ostrander, running the Mill Creek Golf Club. As he later said, his first exposure to the sport came from living “behind the 18th green” of the course his grandfather built.  He attended Buckeye Valley High School and then matriculated at Kent State University, where he studied recreation management and established himself as a three-time All-American on the golf team.

In 2000, Curtis turned professional, initially competing on the Hooters Tour.  His big moment came in 2003 at the Open Championship at Royal St. George’s in England. Entering as a 300-1 outsider, Curtis shocked the field by winning the title and becoming the first player since 1913 to claim a major championship in his first attempt.  He also earned PGA Tour Rookie of the Year honours that same year. 

Defining moments in Ben Curtis’s journey include:

• Winning the Ohio Amateur back-to-back in 1999 & 2000 as an amateur. 

• Earning his PGA Tour card via Q-School at the end of 2002. 

• The dramatic 2003 Open Championship victory as a relative unknown. 

• Capturing additional PGA Tour wins (Booz Allen Classic and 84 Lumber Classic in 2006; Valero Texas Open in 2012). 

These key strokes—both literal and figurative—laid the foundation for his career, allowing Curtis to pivot into new roles beyond professional tournament golf.

Main Sources of Wealth

The core pillars of Ben Curtis’s wealth include:

• PGA Tour earnings – Official career earnings exceed US $11.9 million, according to Spotrac. 

• Tournament victories and major win – His 2003 Open Championship and three further PGA Tour wins boosted his profile and earnings. 

• Coaching, academy and business ventures – Since stepping away from full-time competition, he founded the Ben Curtis Golf Academy and has engaged in wine-label partnerships. 

Wealth breakdown (approximate):

* Estimations based on available public data; † inferred from ventures described in audio/interview.

While the headline figure of ~$5 million is modest compared to the richest golfers, it reflects a stable platform built from one of golf’s most unexpected major victories. 

Relationships & Family Life

Curtis’s personal life has been anchored by his marriage to Candace Curtis (née Candace Johnson), whom he met while both attended Kent State and played golf for the university.  The couple is proud parents of two children. 

Key insights into Ben Curtis’s relationships and personal life:

• Curtis and Candace married in August of the year following his rookie season on the Tour, tying the knot while he was actively competing. 

• Candace serves as Vice President/Director of the family’s charitable foundation, demonstrating a partnership that extends beyond the golf course.

• Family and community feature prominently in Curtis’s decision to retire from full-time tour play: he has spoken of choosing to spend more time with his children and wife rather than constantly travelling. 

Overall, the Curtis-family dynamic is one of shared purpose: competition, mentoring and community service combined in a personal legacy.

Lifestyle, Assets & Interests

Beyond career success, Ben Curtis leads a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:

• Coaching and mentoring young golfers through the Ben Curtis Golf Academy, located at The Country Club of Hudson in Hudson, Ohio. 

• Running the nonprofit Ben Curtis Family Foundation which combats childhood hunger in Northeast Ohio, through initiatives like “Birdie Bags” for students. 

• Launching a personal wine label (“Ben Curtis Cuvée”) with a portion of revenue supporting his foundation. 

While detailed data on homes, cars and luxury holdings is limited, Curtis has steadily transitioned into a lifestyle where impact and family priorities guide his choices. His public image is one of groundedness and community-focus rather than flashy extravagance.

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

The figure most commonly cited for Curtis’s net worth—US $5 million—is drawn from online celebrity-wealth aggregators and supported by his tournament earnings. 

Key drivers of growth or change:

• Rapid rise following the 2003 major win—both earnings and brand value spiked after the Open Championship.

• Plateau in competitive earnings in later years as Curtis shifted focus toward teaching and local entrepreneurship.

• Growth in non-tour income streams (coaching, foundation, partnerships) which provide stability but less headline generation.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

Ben Curtis’s legacy has two distinct arcs: the underdog major champion and the community-minded mentor. His 2003 Open victory, as a 300-1 outsider, remains one of golf’s most remarkable upsets. 

In the golfing community, Curtis is respected for his humility and transition into teaching and service. His foundation work—particularly feeding children and supporting local youth—adds a dimension of lasting impact beyond sport. 

On social media and regional press, he is portrayed not just as “that guy who won the Open” but as “the Ohio-based champion who stayed connected, built a business and gave back.” His influence extends to aspiring athletes in the Midwest and beyond, many of whom see a reflection of grassroots beginnings in his story.

Conclusion

Ben Curtis’s journey—from picking up a club at age 3, to triumphing at the Open Championship in his first major entry, to building a post-tour life around coaching and giving back—is as inspirational as it is grounded. His net worth of approximately US $5 million, his birthdate of May 26, 1977, and his birthday celebration each year on May 26 mark the milestones of a career carefully stewarded. His relationships, especially with his wife Candace, reflect a partner-in-purpose narrative. In an era of big money and more rapid turnover, Curtis’s story stands out for its longevity, integrity and quiet influence.