Jim Payne (golfer)

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) European Tour playoff record (1–0) Other wins (1) • 2000 Northern Open ==Results in major championships==

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==