Ferrie Facts

If you don't know diddly about Kenneth Ferrie, the Englishman who shares the lead of the U.S. Open with Phil Mickelson, you're not alone. Not even the European golf writers know too much him.

Since Saturday night, I've spoken to three of my writer friends from London and Dublin and they all shake their heads. "I don't know where this is coming from," said one of them.

In his post-round interviews, Ferrie seems like a nice enough guy.

Here's Ferrie's player profile from the Open media guide:

KENNETH FERRIE
Birthdate: September 28, 1978
Birthplace: Ashington, England
Age: 27 Ht: 6'4" Wt: 245
Home: Ashington, England
Turned Professional: 1999
Joined European Tour: 2001
European Tour Playoff record: 1-0
European Tour Wins: 2, - 2003 Canarias Open De Espana, 2005 Smurfit European Open

Player Notes: Claimed his maiden European Tour title when he beat Peter Hedblom and Peter Lawrie at the second playoff hole at the 2003 Canarias Open de España. The 2002 winner had been Sergio Garcia which was appropriate for it was not the first time the pair's names had been placed side by side on a trophy, the first one being the British Boys Championship which Ferrie won in 1996 and Garcia won in 1997…Secured his card for the European Tour for the first time at the Qualifying School Finals in 2000. Won the Tessali Open del Sud on the Challenge Tour that year and finished joint runner-up the following week, but was unable to claim one of the precious 15 cards available through that route. Finished 193rd on the Volvo Order of Merit in 2001 but went to the Qualifying School Finals that year and took the 16th card. Narrowly avoided a return in 2002 when he finished 112th on the Volvo Order of Merit, his best finish being a share of third place in the Novotel Perrier Open de France. Coached by John Harrison. Brother, Iain, has also played on the Challenge Tour.

Claimed the biggest title of his career in July 2005 when he stood firm as others faltered at The K Club in Ireland to win the Smurfit European Open. Nearly followed that up with another victory in the Dunhill Links Championship in October but was overhauled by Colin Montgomerie in a thrilling last-round duel on the Old Course at St Andrews. Biggest disappointment of the year was narrowly losing out to Nick Dougherty for the final automatic place in the Great Britain and Ireland team for the Seve Trophy in his native northeast of England but took considerable consolation from the fact that he finished the year 11th on the Order of Merit, by far his best season on Tour.

2001 PGA European Tour Summary: Tournaments entered - 20; in money - 7; top-10 finishes - 0; stroke average 73.44 (ranked 197th); money _30,330 & £18,585 (ranked 193rd); best finish, T12th, North West of Ireland Open.
2002 PGA European Tour Summary: Tournaments entered - 20; in money - 7; top-10 finishes - 3; stroke average 72.71 (ranked 149th); money _182,625 & £116,444 (ranked 112th); best finish, T3rd, Novotel Perrier Open de France.

2003 PGA European Tour Summary: Tournaments entered - 30; in money - 16; top-10 finishes - 3; stroke average 71.87 (ranked 103rd); money _628,539 & £438,223 (ranked 34th); winner Canarias Open de Espana.

2004 PGA European Tour Summary: Tournaments entered - 26; in money - 16; top-10 finishes - 2; stroke average 72.01 (ranked 103rd); money _281,200 & £194,457 (ranked 72nd); best finish 9th, Linde German Masters.

2005 PGA European Tour Summary: Tournaments entered - 28; in money - 19; top-10 finishes - 5; stroke average 71.93 (ranked 108th); money _1,410,636 & £953,448 (ranked 11th); Winner, Sumrfit European Open.