Keith Allen Clearwater (born September 1, 1959) is an American professional golfer best known for winning two PGA Tour events during his rookie season in 1987. A standout amateur at Brigham Young University, he went on to post more than two dozen top‑10 finishes on the PGA Tour, compete on the Champions Tour, and later serve as Director of Instruction at Pauma Valley Country Club.
Early Life and Amateur Success
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Birth and Hometown
Born in Long Beach, California, on September 1, 1959, Clearwater grew up in the Bay Area and attended Northgate High School in Walnut Creek, California. -
Collegiate Career at BYU
Enrolling at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, he joined a talented golf program.-
In 1981 (his junior year), he helped BYU capture the NCAA Championship and earned First Team All‑American honors.
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In 1982 (his senior year), he was named a Second Team All‑American.
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His collegiate teammates included future PGA Tour competitors Rick Fehr, Richard Zokol, and Bobby Clampett.
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Turning Professional and PGA Tour Rookie Year
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Turning Pro
After graduating in 1982, Clearwater turned professional. -
Joining the PGA Tour
He secured his PGA Tour card in 1987, quickly making his mark in his debut season.-
Colonial National Invitation (May 1987)
He claimed his first Tour victory at Colonial with a 14‑under‑par 266, tying the tournament scoring record previously set by Corey Pavin in 1985. -
Centel Classic (October 1987)
Later that season, Clearwater earned his second title at the Centel Classic, cementing his status as one of the more impressive rookies on Tour.
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Professional Career Highlights
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PGA Tour Performance
Over his career on the PGA Tour, he recorded just over two dozen top‑10 finishes. -
Major Championship
His best finish in a major came at the 1987 U.S. Open, where he tied for 31st. Notably, his third‑round 64 at Olympic Club matched the course record and sits only one stroke shy of the U.S. Open single‑round low. -
Champions Tour
Upon reaching the age of 50, Clearwater competed on the Champions Tour, continuing to showcase his experience and shot‑making skill against his peers.
Continued Involvement and Teaching
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Annual Return to Colonial
Despite shifting focus to instruction, he has maintained a tradition of playing the Colonial National Invitation each year. -
Director of Instruction
In February 2021, he was appointed Director of Instruction at Pauma Valley Country Club in Pauma Valley, California, where he shares his knowledge and helps develop aspiring golfers.
Personal Life
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Residency
Clearwater resides in Murrieta, California, with his family. -
Legacy
Known for his smooth swing and competitive spirit, Keith Clearwater remains a respected figure both for his playing accomplishments and his contributions as a teacher.