Ben Crane has carved out a memorable career in professional golf with five PGA Tour wins, over $23 million in career earnings, and a reputation for creativity on and off the course. From his early days in Oregon to viral golf videos, here’s everything you need to know about the golfer’s life, career, and financial success.
Ben Crane’s Biography
Category | Details |
Full Name | Benjamin McCully Crane |
Nickname | N/A |
Born | March 6, 1976 (Age 49) |
Birthplace | Portland, Oregon, USA |
Nationality | American |
Height | 5’11” |
Weight | 165 lbs |
College | University of Oregon |
Turned Pro | 1999 |
Net Worth | $23 million (estimated) |
Spouse | Heather Crane |
Children | Cassidy Olivia, Brayden McCully, Saylor Mackenzie, Isaiah Crew |
Residence | Nashville, Tennessee |
Instagram Profile | N/A |
Early Career
Ben Crane’s journey to professional golf began in Portland, Oregon, where his grandfather introduced him to the sport at age five.
Growing up playing at the historic Portland Golf Club—the same course where Ben Hogan won the 1945 Portland Open—Crane developed a passion for the game early. After graduating from Beaverton High School in 1994, he initially attended Baylor University but didn’t play collegiate golf there.
Transferring to the University of Oregon in 1996, he became a standout player for the Ducks, leading the team to four consecutive NCAA Regional appearances and two NCAA Championship tournaments. Crane was the first Oregon golfer to qualify individually for the NCAA Championships, a feat matched only once since.
Turning pro in 1999 after graduating, Crane faced an uphill battle. He spent his early professional years grinding on mini-tours before breaking through on the Buy.com Tour (now Korn Ferry Tour), where he won twice—in 2000 and 2001.
These victories earned him his PGA Tour card for 2002. His rookie season was marked by self-doubt, including a low point at the 2002 Hilton Head event where he missed his third straight cut. However, perseverance paid off when he stunned the golf world in 2003 with a four-stroke win at the BellSouth Classic, shooting a final-round 63.
This breakthrough victory, fueled by clutch putting and support from caddie Joel Stock (a former Oregon teammate), secured his place on tour and silenced critics of his deliberate playing style.
Professional Career
Ben Crane’s professional career is defined by resilience, creativity, and five PGA Tour victories that spanned over a decade. After securing his Tour card in 2002, Crane quickly silenced critics of his deliberate pace with a breakout win at the 2003 BellSouth Classic, where he closed with a blistering 63 to claim a four-stroke victory.
His 2005 U.S. Bank Championship win propelled him to 19th in the world rankings, but injuries in 2007 temporarily stalled his momentum. Crane roared back in 2010, edging out Brandt Snedeker and Michael Sim by one stroke at the Farmers Insurance Open with a clutch 15-foot birdie on the 72nd hole.
The following year, he became a viral sensation as part of the “Golf Boys” alongside Rickie Fowler, Bubba Watson, and Hunter Mahan—a music video parody that showcased his off-course personality.
On the course, Crane thrived under pressure, winning the 2011 McGladrey Classic in a playoff and dominating the 2014 FedEx St. Jude Classic wire-to-wire for his final Tour title. Though major championships eluded him (his best finish was T9 at the 2004 PGA Championship), Crane’s consistency earned him over $23 million in career earnings.
Injuries and age reduced his competitive appearances post-2015, but he remained a fan favorite for his relatable demeanor and creative projects, including founding the “Golf Cart Cinema” series during the COVID-19 pandemic. Crane’s legacy blends tournament grit with a knack for innovation, proving that success in golf extends beyond traditional metrics.
Wife
Ben Crane has been married to Heather Crane since at least 2006, and the couple has four children: Cassidy Olivia, Brayden McCully, Saylor Mackenzie, and Isaiah Crew (adopted in 2019).
The family lives in Nashville, Tennessee, where they prioritize faith and community involvement. In 2019, they expanded their family through adoption after fostering a child, with Heather present during the birth of their son Isaiah.
Ben often shares how fatherhood grounds him, calling the adoption “the sweetest thing our family has ever been a part of”.
Ben Crane’s Net Worth Details
Ben Crane’s net worth is estimated to be $23 million as of 2025.
Career Earnings
Year | Earnings | Key Highlights |
2005 | $2,505,029 | U.S. Bank Championship win |
2010 | $3,802,067 | Farmers Insurance Open victory + unofficial events |
2011 | $1,702,538 | McGladrey Classic playoff win |
2014 | $1,534,634 | FedEx St. Jude Classic title |
2018 | $620,646 | Final full season with regular cuts made |
2022 | $40,658 | Limited appearances due to age/competition |
Total | $22,418,861 | 24-year career (2000–2024) |
Endorsements
Ben Crane’s endorsement portfolio leans heavily on his reputation as a relatable personality and creative collaborator. As a Titleist Brand Ambassador, he has long used their clubs and golf balls, a common partnership for PGA Tour veterans.
His most publicized sponsorship came through the 2011 “Golf Boys” music video, where Farmers Insurance donated $1,000 per 100,000 views to charity, showcasing his ability to merge entertainment with corporate partnerships.
His 2017 Wyndham Rewards hole-in-one promotion exemplifies his knack for turning on-course moments into sponsored opportunities, though these appear situational rather than long-term contracts. Crane’s post-2015 ventures, like the “Golf Cart Cinema” series, likely attracted niche sponsorships targeting grassroots golf communities.
Career Stats
Year | Tournament | Winning Score | Margin of Victory | Runner(s)-up |
---|---|---|---|---|
2003 | BellSouth Classic | 73-72-64-63 | 4 strokes | Bob Tway |
2005 | U.S. Bank Championship | 62-65-64-69 | 4 strokes | Scott Verplank |
2010 | Farmers Insurance Open | 65-71-69-70 | 1 stroke | Leishman, Sim, Snedeker |
2011 | McGladrey Classic (playoff) | 65-70-67-63 | Won on 2nd playoff hole | Webb Simpson |
2014 | FedEx St. Jude Classic | 63-65-69-73 | 1 stroke | Troy Merritt |
Major Championships Performance
Tournament | Best Finish | Cuts Made (Total Starts) | Top-10s | Top-25s |
---|---|---|---|---|
Masters Tournament | T24 (2010) | 2/6 | 0 | 2 |
U.S. Open | T53 (2008) | 2/7 | 0 | 0 |
The Open Championship | T11 (2006) | 1/5 | 0 | 1 |
PGA Championship | T9 (2004) | 6/9 | 1 | 1 |
Totals | T9 | 11/27 | 1 | 4 |
Playoff Records
Result | Year | Tournament | Opponent |
---|---|---|---|
1–0 | 2011 | McGladrey Classic | Webb Simpson |
FAQs
1. How many PGA Tour wins does Ben Crane have?
Ben Crane has five PGA Tour victories: the 2003 BellSouth Classic, 2005 U.S. Bank Championship, 2010 Farmers Insurance Open, 2011 McGladrey Classic, and 2014 FedEx St. Jude Classic. His most notable win came at Torrey Pines in 2010, where he edged out competitors by one stroke.
2. What is Ben Crane’s net worth?
Ben Crane’s estimated net worth is $23 million. This wealth stems primarily from PGA Tour earnings ($23 million+), sponsorships, and off-course ventures like the viral “Golf Boys” music video.
3. Is Ben Crane married?
Yes, Ben Crane married Heather Crane, his longtime partner. The couple has four children: Cassidy Olivia, Brayden McCully, Saylor Mackenzie, and Isaiah Crew, whom they adopted in 2019. They reside in Nashville, Tennessee.
4. What college did Ben Crane attend?
Crane initially attended Baylor University but transferred to the University of Oregon, where he played collegiate golf. He graduated in 1999 and turned professional later that year.
5. What is Ben Crane’s connection to the “Golf Boys”?
Crane co-founded the “Golf Boys” in 2011 with Rickie Fowler, Bubba Watson, and Hunter Mahan. Their viral music video raised charity funds, with Farmers Insurance donating $1,000 per 100,000 views.
6. Has Ben Crane won a major championship?
His best major finish was T9 at the 2004 PGA Championship. He made 11 cuts in 27 major appearances but never secured a top-five finish.
7. What golf equipment does Ben Crane use?
Crane is a Titleist brand ambassador, using their clubs and golf balls throughout his career. He has also promoted Titleist gear in Q&A sessions with fans.
8. How much has Ben Crane earned in his career?
Crane’s PGA Tour career earnings total over $23 million. His highest-earning year was 2010 ($3.8 million), boosted by his Farmers Insurance Open win and unofficial event bonuses.
9. Where does Ben Crane currently live?
The Crane family resides in Nashville, Tennessee. They moved there to balance Ben’s golf career with family life and community involvement.
10. Did Ben Crane adopt a child?
Yes. In 2019, Ben and Heather adopted newborn Isaiah Crew, expanding their family to six. Heather was present for the birth, and the adoption strengthened their commitment to foster care advocacy.