Ben Crenshaw, often known as “Gentle Ben,” is one of the most respected figures in the golfing world. While his accomplishments on the green are legendary, his personal life, particularly his marriage and family, is equally remarkable. This article provides an in-depth look at his wife, their family, and how his personal relationships have shaped his life beyond the fairways.
Ben Crenshaw: Bio & Family
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ben Daniel Crenshaw |
| Nickname | Gentle Ben |
| Date of Birth | January 11, 1952 |
| Birthplace | Austin, Texas, USA |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) |
| Weight | 160 lbs (73 kg) |
| Profession | Professional Golfer, Golf Course Architect |
| College | University of Texas at Austin |
| Turned Professional | 1973 |
| PGA Tour Wins | 19 |
| Major Championships | 2 Masters Tournament titles (1984, 1995) |
| Notable Achievements | Captain of the 1999 U.S. Ryder Cup Team (Historic Comeback Victory) |
| Wife | Julie Ann Forrest (Married in November 1985) |
| Children | 3 Daughters — Katherine Vail (b. 1987), Claire Susan (b. 1992), Anna Riley (b. 1998) |
| Residence | Austin, Texas, USA |
| Business Ventures | Co-founder of Coore & Crenshaw, a golf course design and architecture firm |
| Awards | Bob Jones Award (1992), Multiple PGA honors |
| Known For | Exceptional putting skills, sportsmanship, passion for golf history, and course design expertise |
Early Life and Rise in Golf
Ben Crenshaw was born in Austin, Texas, and developed an early passion for golf. By the time he was ten, he was competing against Tom Kite, another future professional golfer from his hometown. Under the quiet guidance of the legendary coach Harvey Penick, Crenshaw honed his natural talent, developing the smooth swing and exceptional putting that would make him one of the greatest golfers of his generation.
By the time he attended the University of Texas on a golf scholarship, Crenshaw was already recognized as a rising star. He won the NCAA Championship three times, becoming the first freshman to capture the title. This early success laid the foundation for his professional career.
Marriage to Julie Ann Forrest
Ben Crenshaw married Julie Ann Forrest in November 1985, marking the start of a lifelong partnership. Their marriage came during a challenging period for Crenshaw, as he had been diagnosed with a hyperactive thyroid the same year. Julie provided unwavering support through his recovery and helped him regain confidence both personally and professionally.
Julie has often been described as the steady presence in Crenshaw’s life — someone who prefers to stay out of the public spotlight while being his strongest source of support during the highs and lows of his career. Their marriage has endured decades, a rarity in the high-profile world of sports.
Ben Crenshaw and His Wife: Family Life
The Crenshaws built a close-knit family together in Austin, Texas. They are proud parents to three daughters:
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Katherine Vail Crenshaw, born October 6, 1987
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Claire Susan Crenshaw, born April 23, 1992
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Anna Riley Crenshaw, born February 12, 1998
Ben has often spoken about how becoming a father changed his perspective on life, balancing his demanding schedule on the PGA Tour with time at home. Despite his success, family has always been his priority, and he has kept his children out of the intense public eye to ensure they could grow up with as much normalcy as possible.
Ben Crenshaw’s First Marriage and Divorce
Before marrying Julie Ann Forrest in 1985, Ben Crenshaw experienced a brief first marriage early in his career. The marriage, however, did not last long due to the pressures of life on the PGA Tour and the demands of a rising professional golf career. Traveling frequently for tournaments and managing the intense spotlight often strained his personal relationships during that period. Although Crenshaw has kept the details of this chapter of his life private, it is well known that the experience taught him valuable lessons about balance and commitment. After the divorce, Crenshaw focused on his game and personal growth, eventually finding lasting happiness and stability when he met and married Julie, building a strong family together.
Ben Crenshaw’s Wife’s Role in His Career
Julie Ann Forrest, Ben Crenshaw’s wife since November 1985, has been a steady and supportive presence throughout his legendary golf career. She stood by him during challenging times, including his recovery from a hyperactive thyroid diagnosis in the mid-1980s, offering encouragement that helped him regain his confidence and focus. Julie has been present at many of Ben’s career-defining moments, such as his Masters victory in 1995, sharing in the emotional highs and supporting him through the pressures of professional golf. Known for her quiet strength and low profile, she allowed Ben to stay grounded while balancing fame and competition. Her unwavering support has been a key factor in helping Crenshaw maintain stability and success on and off the course.
Career Highlights
Crenshaw’s career is filled with extraordinary achievements. From his 1973 San Antonio-Texas Open victory in his first PGA Tour event as a professional to his Masters Tournament victories in 1984 and 1995, he consistently displayed brilliance and composure on the course.
His 1995 Masters victory is particularly memorable. Just days before the tournament, Crenshaw learned of the passing of his lifelong mentor, Harvey Penick. Despite the emotional weight, he delivered one of the most inspiring performances in golf history, walking up the eighteenth green with tears in his eyes to secure his second green jacket.
Crenshaw also gained fame as the captain of the 1999 U.S. Ryder Cup team, leading them to an unforgettable comeback victory against Europe at The Country Club in Brookline.
Julie’s Role Through the Years
Julie has remained a constant source of support through every phase of Ben’s life. From celebrating victories to offering quiet comfort during challenging times, her role cannot be overstated. While she rarely seeks the limelight, her presence is felt at key events, often seen quietly cheering for her husband during major tournaments.
Their partnership reflects balance and mutual respect, qualities that have allowed them to navigate the pressures of fame and a demanding travel schedule for decades.
Life Beyond the Tour
As his competitive golfing career slowed, Ben turned his attention to golf course architecture. Alongside his business partner Bill Coore, the Coore & Crenshaw design firm has developed and restored some of the finest golf courses in the world, including The Plantation Course at Kapalua, Sand Hills Golf Club, and significant restoration work at historic venues like Riviera Country Club and Southern Hills.
Julie and the family have supported this transition, enjoying a quieter life while Ben balances design projects and occasional appearances on the Champions Tour.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Crenshaw has received numerous honors. One of the most meaningful was the Bob Jones Award, presented by the USGA in 1992 for distinguished sportsmanship. For Crenshaw, who idolized Bobby Jones, this recognition was especially significant.
Legacy of a Gentleman
Known for his humility and respect for the game, Ben Crenshaw has always been admired as more than just a champion golfer. His sportsmanship, combined with his love for golf history and dedication to preserving the integrity of the sport, has made him a beloved figure both in the U.S. and internationally.
Behind this remarkable man is the unwavering support of Julie Ann Crenshaw and their daughters, who have given him a strong foundation to thrive not only as an athlete but also as a husband, father, and mentor.
Conclusion
Ben Crenshaw’s life story is more than one of golfing greatness; it’s also the story of a man grounded by love, family, and passion for the game. His wife, Julie Ann Forrest, and their three daughters have been the steady presence behind his legendary career, supporting him through victories, challenges, and new ventures beyond the golf course.
Today, as Crenshaw focuses on course design and occasional appearances in the golfing world, his legacy continues to be built not only on championships but also on the strength of his relationships and values.
FAQs
- Who is Ben Crenshaw’s wife?
Ben Crenshaw’s wife is Julie Ann Forrest, whom he married in 1985. She has been a constant source of support throughout his personal and professional life. - When did Ben Crenshaw get married?
He married Julie Ann Forrest in November 1985, during a transitional phase in his career. - How many times has Ben Crenshaw been married?
Ben Crenshaw has been married twice. His first marriage ended in divorce before he found lasting happiness with Julie. - What is known about Ben Crenshaw’s current wife?
Julie Ann Forrest is known for her private and supportive nature, rarely seeking the spotlight while standing by Ben through his career highs and lows. - Does Ben Crenshaw have children with his wife?
Yes, Ben and Julie have three daughters: Katherine Vail (born 1987), Claire Susan (born 1992), and Anna Riley (born 1998). - What role has Ben Crenshaw’s wife played in his career?
Julie has provided emotional support and stability, helping Ben navigate the pressures of professional golf and stay focused during pivotal moments in his career. - Where does Ben Crenshaw live with his wife?
Ben Crenshaw and his wife live in Austin, Texas, where they raised their three daughters. - Is Ben Crenshaw still married to his wife?
Yes, Ben and Julie have been happily married for nearly four decades and continue to enjoy a strong relationship. - Who was Ben Crenshaw’s first wife?
Details about Ben Crenshaw’s first marriage are limited, but it ended in divorce before his marriage to Julie Ann Forrest. - How did Ben Crenshaw meet his current wife?
The exact story of how Ben met Julie is not widely publicized, as the couple has chosen to keep that part of their relationship private, focusing instead on their family life.