Billy Ray Brown


William Ray Brown is an American former professional golfer who played on the PGA Tour in the 1980s and 1990s. He is currently a on-course reporter for Golf Channel and commentator for CBS Sports.

Early life

Brown was born, raised, and still lives in Missouri City, Texas. His father, Charlie Brown, played football for the Houston Cougars football and professionally in the CFL and AFL.

Amateur career

Brown attended the University of Houston and was a member of the Cougar golf team. He won the 1982 NCAA Division I Championship as a freshman. He was also a member of the 1984 and 1985 national championship teams, and was an All-American all four years.

Professional career

Brown won three PGA Tour events in a career cut short by an injury and subsequent surgeries to his wrist. His best finish in a major championship was T-3 at the 1990 U.S. Open, one stroke out of the playoff. He had seventeen top-10 finishes in 315 PGA Tour events.
After his playing days ended, Brown moved into the media to serve as an on-course reporter for ABC Sports from 1999 until 2006. In 2007, Brown joined the Golf Channel as an on-course reporter for their PGA Tour and Champions Tour coverage.

Amateur wins (1)

this list may be incomplete

PGA Tour wins (3)

PGA Tour playoff record
No.YearTournamentOpponentsResult
11991Canon Greater Hartford Open

Results in major championships

CUT = missed the half-way cut
"T" = tied