“PRO” FILE – TOURING PROFESSIONAL JIMMY WALKER

He once was known as having the same name as a famous 1970s comedian and actor, but today he’s undoubtedly the person who comes to mind when you mention Jimmy Walker, the professional golfer. Walker, once a journeyman who has blossomed into one of the better players in the world, entered the realm of stardom when he won the PGA Championship contested at Baltusrol Country Club this past July. Walker’s ascent to the upper echelon of professional golf was a slow one, not having won his first major tour event until he was 34 years old in 2013 – an age when many golfers have either stopped winning or win less often. Since then, including his major victory, he’s now won six events, and it looks like he’s only going to continue. Walker turned professional in 2001 and earned his tour card in 2005 after being named what is now known as the Web.com Tour’s Player of the Year. He lost his tour card twice before finally sticking on the main tour in 2009. He steadily continued to improve before his breakout season of 2013-14, where he won three times and also earned a spot on the 2014 Ryder Cup team. Walker is married to Erin and they have two children, and reside in Boerne, Texas.