James Robert Payne (born 17 April 1970) is an English professional golfer.
Early life and amateur career In 1970, Payne was born in Louth, Lincolnshire.
As an amateur he won the 1991 European Amateur and the British Youths Open Amateur Championship. He played with Jack Nicklaus in the final round of the 1991 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale and finished as leading amateur.
Professional career In 1991, Payne turned professional after playing in the Walker Cup later that year.
In 1992, Payne earned Rookie of the Year honors on the European Tour. He won two European Tour events, the 1993 Turespana Iberia Open de Baleares and the 1996 Italian Open. His last season on the European Tour was 2000. He had a promising career as a tournament golfer which petered out by his early thirties, partly due to injury problems which had required him to undergo a spinal fusion operation at the age of 24.
In 2003, he took a position as club professional at Southport and Ainsdale Golf Club, a two time venue of the Ryder Cup.
Awards and honors In 1992, Payne was awarded the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year.
Amateur wins 1986 McGregor Trophy 1987 McGregor Trophy 1991 European Amateur, British Youths Open Amateur Championship
Professional wins (3) European Tour wins (2) No.DateTournamentWinning scoreMargin ofvictoryRunner-up114 Mar 1993Turespaña Iberia Open de Baleares−11 (73-66-71-67=277)Playoff Anders Gillner25 May 1996Conte of Florence Italian Open−9 (70-71-67-67=275)1 stroke Patrik Sjöland
European Tour playoff record (1–0) No.YearTournamentOpponentResult11993Turespaña Iberia Open de Baleares Anders GillnerWon with par on first extra hole
Other wins (1) 2000 Northern Open
Results in major championships Tournament1991199219931994199519961997199819992000200120022003200420052006The Open ChampionshipT38 LACUTT56T48CUT Note: Payne only played in The Open Championship.
LA = Low amateur CUT = missed the half-way cut "T" = tied
Team appearances Amateur Jacques Léglise Trophy (representing Great Britain & Ireland): 1987 (winners) St Andrews Trophy (representing Great Britain & Ireland): 1990 (winners) Walker Cup (representing Great Britain & Ireland): 1991 European Amateur Team Championship (representing England): 1991 (winners), 1993
Professional World Cup (representing England): 1996
References
External links