Between 1985 and 1989, Strange was America's leading player. He topped the US Money list three times (1985, 87 and 88) and in 1988 became the first golfer to win over $1 million in one season on the US Tour. By winning the US Open in 1988 and 1989, he was the first back-to-back champion since Ben Hogan in 1950 and 1951. Strange has an identical twin brother called Allen, who often caddies for him at tournaments. He started playing golf at the age of seven. His late father Tom was the golf professional and owner of White Sands Country Club in Virginia Beach. His father played in five US Opens. Until he won the 1988 US Open, Strange had adopted that unfavourable tag of being called 'the best player yet to win a major.' On reaching the 72nd hole of that year's championship, he and Nick Faldo were tied for the lead at six-under-par. While playing-partner Faldo safely hit the green in two, at the 43 8-yard, par-4 1 8th, Strange bunkered his approach. Yet from sand, he played one of the greatest bunker shots of all time, his ball finished about 12 inches from the cup. Faldo two-putted for his par from 25 feet and in the following day's play-off Strange won by four shots ( 71-75 ).

In winning the 1989 championship, at Oak Hill, Strange pared the first 15 holes of his final round. He then made a crucial birdie on 16 (par 4), pared the 17th and could afford the luxury of a bogey-five at 18, to win by one stroke. Strange had started the final round three strokes behind leader Tom Kite. But Kite took a triple-bogey 7 at the fifth hole, went on to shoot an 8-over-par 78 and finished in a tie for 9th - five strokes behind Strange. When asked what it takes to win the US Open twice, Strange replied: "Guts and pars."

Curtis Strange pictured in action.