In 1943, Giles was born in
Lynchburg, Virginia. He studied at the
Episcopal High School in
Alexandria, Virginia. In 1966, he graduated from the
University of Georgia where he was a three-time
All-American on the golf team. Three years later he graduated from the
University of Virginia Law School. Giles finished second in the
U.S. Amateur three straight years, 1967 to 1969, before finally winning in 1972. This was in the stroke play era. His victory in the
British Amateur came in 1975. He won numerous other amateur tournaments, including seven Virginia State Amateurs as well as three
Virginia Open titles. Giles played on four
Walker Cup teams: in 1969, 1971, 1973, 1975. His team won three times and he captained the 1993 team to victory. He also played on three victorious
Eisenhower Trophy teams (1968, 1970, 1972) and captained the 1992 team to a runner-up finish. Giles played in 11
professional majors, making the cut in three of his nine
Masters Tournament appearances and in both
U.S. Open appearances. He was low amateur in the
1968 Masters Tournament (tied for 22nd) and in the
1973 U.S. Open (17th). He was also low amateur in three
U.S. Senior Opens: in 1993, 1996, and 1997. Giles served on the Executive Committee of the Virginia State Golf Association for over 20 years and then was first an Associate Director and then a Director of the Southern Golf Association for three years. Giles is also the owner and president of a golf management firm which represents such golfers as
Tom Kite,
Davis Love III,
Lanny Wadkins,
Bobby Wadkins,
Beth Daniel, and
Meg Mallon. == Personal life ==