Kris Tamulis has carved out a unique place in professional golf as one of the LPGA Tour’s most persistent and beloved veterans. The 44-year-old Michigan native achieved her career-defining moment in 2015 when she captured her first and only LPGA Tour victory at the Yokohama Tire LPGA Classic after an incredible 186 starts.
Her journey represents the dedication and perseverance required to maintain a lengthy career on professional golf’s most competitive stage.
In this article, you will know Kris Tamulis’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship status, and more details about her remarkable two-decade journey from college standout to LPGA Tour champion.
Kris Tamulis’s Biography
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Kristin “Kris” Tamulis |
| Date of Birth | December 29, 1980 |
| Age | 44 years old |
| Education | Florida State University |
| Nationality | United States |
| Height | 5’7″ (170 cm) |
| Birthplace | Lapeer, Michigan |
| Swing | Right-handed |
| Turned Professional | October 2003 |
| Net Worth | $1.5 million |
| Career Earnings | $1.3+ million |
| Husband | Dr. Jeremy Maddox |
Early Career
Kris Tamulis’s golf journey began at the remarkably young age of three when her parents, Walt and Carol, introduced her to the game. Born to a family of golf professionals who owned their own golf course in Michigan, Tamulis was literally born into the sport.
Her mother actually went into labor while on the family’s golf course, making golf an integral part of her life story from the very beginning.
Growing up in a golf environment, Tamulis had constant access to practice facilities and professional instruction from her father Walt, who served as both her coach and mentor throughout her development.
She began playing competitive golf at age 11 and earned immediate success, winning the junior Maxfli Tournament in Michigan. Her natural talent and dedication to the game quickly became apparent as she dominated junior tournaments throughout the Midwest.
Her amateur career reached its peak during high school when she qualified for prestigious national events including the U.S. Women’s Open. As a teenager, she displayed the maturity and skill level that would eventually carry her through a successful collegiate career. Her consistent performance in junior golf earned her recognition as one of the top young players in the country and attracted attention from major college golf programs.
The decision to attend Florida State University proved pivotal for Tamulis’s development as a player. During her recruitment visit to Tallahassee, she was initially interested in the pre-med program, considering various career paths including becoming a Spanish teacher, businesswoman, or doctor.
However, her passion for golf ultimately won out, and she committed to pursuing excellence on the course while completing her education.
Professional Career
Tamulis’s collegiate career at Florida State University from 1999 to 2003 established her as one of the program’s most accomplished players. She captured two tournament victories during her four years with the Seminoles and earned National Golf Coaches Association All-American honors.
Her most notable collegiate achievement came when she won the individual title at the Lady Gator Invitational in March 2003, which marked her first collegiate victory and demonstrated her ability to perform under pressure.
During her senior year in 2003, Tamulis was ranked 18th nationally in the Golfweek/Sagarin Performance Index and helped lead Florida State to consistent top-25 national rankings. She became the first three-time All-ACC honoree in Seminole golf history, a testament to her sustained excellence throughout her collegiate career.
Her performance helped the Seminoles reach the NCAA Tournament twice during her tenure and maintain their status among the nation’s elite programs.
After graduating with a degree from Florida State, Tamulis turned professional in October 2003 at age 22. Her transition to professional golf began on the Futures Tour in 2004 and 2005, where she spent time developing her skills and building confidence.
During her two years on the developmental tour, she recorded three second-place finishes but struggled to capture her first professional victory. Despite these near-misses, her consistent play earned her the opportunity to advance to the LPGA Tour.
Tamulis joined the LPGA Tour in 2005 and quickly established herself as a reliable, steady player who could compete week after week. Her breakthrough moment came more than a decade later at the 2015 Yokohama Tire LPGA Classic in Prattville, Alabama.
After 11 years and 186 LPGA Tour starts, Tamulis finally captured her maiden victory in dramatic fashion, playing 29 holes on the final day due to weather delays and shooting a final-round 65 to win by one stroke over Yani Tseng and Austin Ernst.
Caddie
Thomas “Motion” Frank served as Kris Tamulis’s caddie during her breakthrough victory at the 2015 Yokohama Tire LPGA Classic and has been one of the most respected caddies on the LPGA Tour for nearly three decades.
Frank, who is known for wearing distinctive ties on Sundays while carrying his player’s bag, has worked with several notable players throughout his career, including Jane Crafter and Helen Alfredsson.
The partnership between Tamulis and Frank proved especially meaningful during the 2015 season when Frank faced a personal tragedy. In April 2015, his longtime family home in Houston was struck by lightning and completely destroyed by fire.
The three-bedroom home, which he had purchased from his mother, was a total loss, including valuable golf memorabilia he had collected during his 30 years in the caddie business. The house had special significance to Frank as he regularly opened its doors for his church to use during his long stretches on the road.
Despite losing everything in the fire, Frank’s positive attitude inspired Tamulis throughout the season. When she received the text from Frank about the fire, the first thing he told her was that he was okay because he had the best friends, family, and his health.
This perspective and unwavering optimism became a source of motivation for Tamulis, who has credited Frank with believing in her more than she believed in herself.
The LPGA community rallied around Frank after the fire, with Tamulis and other tour professionals helping to set up a GoFundMe page that raised more than $14,000 to assist in rebuilding efforts.
Frank’s incredible attitude through the tragedy and his continued support of Tamulis culminated in their shared celebration when she won at the Yokohama Tire Classic. His emotional reaction to the victory, combined with Tamulis’s ability to provide him with a substantial winner’s check, made the triumph especially meaningful for both of them.
Kris Tamulis’s Net Worth Details
Kris Tamulis’s estimated net worth stands at approximately $1.5 million as of 2025.
Career Earnings
| Year | Tour | Earnings | Notable Achievements |
| 2004-2005 | Futures Tour | $50,000+ | Three second-place finishes |
| 2005-2014 | LPGA Tour | $600,000+ | Consistent performer, multiple top-10s |
| 2015 | LPGA Tour | $402,367 | First LPGA victory, career year |
| 2016-2020 | LPGA Tour | $250,000+ | Continued competition |
| 2021-2024 | LPGA Tour | $30,000+ | Limited starts, part-time status |
| 2025 | LPGA Tour | $0 | One start in Dana Open (missed cut) |
| Total | $1.3+ million | Career earnings through 2024 |
Career Stats
| Category | LPGA Tour | Futures Tour | Amateur |
| Professional Starts | 250+ | 40+ | 100+ |
| Cuts Made | 150+ | 30+ | High percentage |
| Top 10 Finishes | 8+ | 3+ | 25+ |
| Wins | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Best Finish | 1st (2015 Yokohama Tire) | T2 (three times) | Multiple wins |
| Major Championships | Multiple starts | N/A | Various |
| Career Earnings | $1.3+ million | $50,000+ | N/A |
| Years Active | 2005-present | 2004-2005 | 1996-2003 |
| Best Money List | 31st (2015) | Not available | N/A |
| Lowest Round | 65 | Various | Not available |
FAQs
1. What is Kris Tamulis’s nationality and where did she play college golf?
Tamulis is an American professional golfer who played collegiate golf at Florida State University, where she earned All-ACC honors and established herself as one of the team’s top performers.
2. How and when did Tamulis join the professional golf ranks?
She turned professional in 2003 after her college career and began competing on the Futures Tour, quickly working her way toward full status on the LPGA Tour.
3. What is Tamulis’s most significant achievement on the LPGA Tour?
Tamulis won her first LPGA Tour title at the 2015 Yokohama Tire LPGA Classic after more than a decade on tour, marking her long-awaited breakthrough at the highest level in women’s golf.
4. How consistent has Tamulis been on the LPGA Tour throughout her career?
She has made over 150 career cuts on the LPGA Tour, often placing in the top 25 and amassing multiple top-10 finishes, demonstrating persistent competitiveness and dedication.
5. What particular strengths define Tamulis’s playing style?
Tamulis is known for reliable driving accuracy, strong course management, and a steady putting stroke, attributes that have kept her competitive on tour for years.
6. Has Tamulis represented the United States in any team competitions?
She has competed in team events at the collegiate and junior amateur levels but has not been a Solheim Cup team member in her professional career.
7. What challenges has Tamulis faced in her journey as a professional golfer?
Tamulis persevered through several seasons without a win, fought for status during LPGA Q-Schools, and overcame injuries to continue pursuing her goals on the worldwide stage.
8. How do coaches and fellow players describe Tamulis’s impact on tour?
Peers praise her professionalism, friendliness, and positive influence inside player circles, while coaches point to her resilience and work ethic both on and off the course.
9. What role does Tamulis play in golf beyond tournament competition?
She has mentored younger players, participated in golf clinics, and supported growing the game for women at local and national levels.
10. What are Tamulis’s career goals and outlook for the future?
Tamulis is focused on continued LPGA Tour success, helping nurture future generations of women golfers, and contributing to the sport’s growth through mentorship and community involvement.
