Robert Gamez is a name etched in PGA Tour history for one unforgettable shot and a career of resilience. Bursting onto the scene in 1990 as the Rookie of the Year, he famously holed out for eagle on the 72nd hole at Bay Hill to defeat Greg Norman.
Over three decades later, he remains active on the PGA Tour Champions, continuing a professional journey that has seen incredible highs and challenging lows.
In this article, you will know Robert Gamez’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship details, and more.
Robert Gamez’s Biography
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Robert Anthony Gamez |
| Date of Birth | July 21, 1968 |
| Age | 57 |
| Education | University of Arizona |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) |
| Weight | Approx. 170 lbs (77 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 1989 |
| Net Worth | Approx. $5 Million – $7 Million |
| Career Earnings | $8,712,304 (PGA Tour) |
| Wife | Elisa Gamez |
| Instagram Profile | @robertgamezpga |
| Twitter Profile | @RobertGamez59 |
Early Career
Born in Las Vegas, Nevada, Robert Gamez is of Mexican descent and grew up with a natural affinity for the game. He attended the University of Arizona, where he was a standout collegiate player. His amateur career reached its peak in 1989 when he was selected for the prestigious Walker Cup team.
That same year, he swept the major collegiate awards, winning both the Jack Nicklaus Award and the Haskins Award, which are given to the best college golfer in the United States.
Riding the wave of his amateur success, Gamez turned professional in 1989. His transition to the paid ranks was seamless and spectacular.
In his rookie season on the PGA Tour in 1990, he did something incredibly rare: he won his very first event as a tour member, the Northern Telecom Tucson Open.
This immediate victory signaled the arrival of a major new talent and set the stage for one of the most memorable rookie seasons in tour history.
Professional Career
Robert Gamez’s professional career is best defined by his electric start and his gritty longevity. After winning his debut event, he captured his second title just months later at the Nestle Invitational (now the Arnold Palmer Invitational) in dramatic fashion.
On the difficult 18th hole at Bay Hill, needing a birdie to tie Greg Norman, Gamez holed a 7-iron from 176 yards for an eagle, winning the tournament outright. This shot remains one of the most iconic moments in PGA Tour history. He was named the PGA Tour Rookie of the Year for 1990.
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Following his explosive start, Gamez faced a long drought. He went over 15 years without a victory, a period marked by struggles to keep his tour card. However, he authored a remarkable comeback story in 2005 by winning the Valero Texas Open, breaking a record winless streak of 394 events.
In his later years, he transitioned to the PGA Tour Champions (Senior Tour). While he hasn’t replicated his early dominance, he continues to compete in select events, maintaining his presence in the professional golf world well into his 50s.
Wife
Robert Gamez is married to Elisa Gamez. The couple has faced life’s challenges together, including a widely reported incident in 2022 where they were victims of a robbery while moving homes. They have a daughter named Neveah, who was born around 2011.
Gamez has often spoken about the importance of his family, especially during health scares like his quadruple bypass heart surgery in 2014.
His family life in Orlando, Florida (and later Arizona) has been a stabilizing force throughout the ups and downs of his touring career.
Robert Gamez’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Robert Gamez’s net worth is estimated to be between $5 million and $7 million.
Career Earnings
| Period | Tour | Total Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Total Career | PGA Tour | $8,712,304 |
| Web.com/Korn Ferry | Developmental | ~$37,071 |
| 2005 | PGA Tour | ~$1.5 Million (Peak Year) |
| 1990 | PGA Tour | ~$660,000 (Rookie Year) |
| 2024-2026 | Champions Tour | ~$50,000+ (Est. select events) |
Endorsements
Over his three-decade career, Gamez has partnered with classic golf brands. He has been associated with Callaway Golf for equipment and Titleist for balls. In his prime, he also had apparel deals with brands like Ashworth.
Currently, as a veteran player, his endorsements are more focused on corporate partnerships and pro-am appearances, leveraging his status as a past champion and his connection to the “Bay Hill shot” lore.
Career Stats
| Statistic | Details |
|---|---|
| PGA Tour Wins | 3 (1990 Tucson Open, 1990 Nestle Invitational, 2005 Valero Texas Open) |
| Best Major Finish | T12 (1990 Open Championship) |
| Rookie of the Year | 1990 |
| Consecutive Cuts Made | 3 (Major Streak) |
FAQs
1. What is Robert Gamez’s net worth?
Robert Gamez has an estimated net worth of $5 million to $7 million. His wealth comes from nearly $9 million in PGA Tour earnings and various business ventures.
2. What is Robert Gamez famous for?
He is most famous for holing out for eagle from the fairway on the 18th hole to win the 1990 Nestle Invitational at Bay Hill, beating Greg Norman by one stroke.
3. How many PGA Tour wins does Robert Gamez have?
Robert Gamez has three PGA Tour victories. He won two in his rookie season (1990) and one more in 2005.
4. Is Robert Gamez still playing golf professionally?
Yes, he continues to play professionally on the PGA Tour Champions (Senior Tour), competing in select events as of the 2024-2026 seasons.
5. Who is Robert Gamez’s wife?
He is married to Elisa Gamez. They have been married for many years and have a daughter named Neveah.
