Robert Rock is an English professional golfer. He played on the European Tour (now DP World Tour) from 2003 to 2022, winning twice on the tour – the 2011 BMW Italian Open and the 2012 Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship.
You can follow Robert Rock’s biography, personal details, career details, relationship status, net worth, prize money, career earnings, endorsements, stats, achievements, and more here.
Robert Rock’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Robert Rock |
| Nickname | Rocky |
| Birth Date | April 6, 1977 |
| Birthplace | Armitage, Staffordshire, England |
| Nationality | English |
| Turned Professional | 1998 |
| Current Tour | European Tour (1998-2022, retired) |
| Relationship Status | Divorced |
| Ex-Wife | Lynda Rock |
| @robertrockgolf |
Robert Rock was born on April 6, 1977, in Armitage, a village near Lichfield in Staffordshire, England. He grew up in the nearby town of Rugeley.
Early Career
Rock first became a swing coach and went on to become one of the top pros in the Midland PGA Professional (as the English PGA is known). It was then that he decided to pursue a career in high-level professional golf.
Between 1999 and 2002, Rock kept playing tournaments in the Midland PGA Professional and some of the European second-tier Challenge Tour. In 2003, he decided to opt for an Affiliate Membership of the European Tour (now the DP World Tour), which was granted.
Professional Career
Robert Rock joined the European Tour as an affiliate member in 2003. He made good use of this opportunity, making six cuts in 12 tournaments with two top-10 finishes to end up 116th on the Order of Merit.
His breakthrough season came in 2009 when he recorded three runner-up finishes, including a playoff loss to amateur Shane Lowry at the Irish Open despite collecting the €500,000 first prize. Rock finished a career-best 29th on the Race to Dubai that year.
Rock’s first European Tour victory came at the 2011 BMW Italian Open, where he won by one stroke over Gary Boyd and Thorbjørn Olesen. The following week, he made his U.S. Open debut, finishing tied for 23rd place at Congressional Country Club.
Rock’s most notable win was at the 2012 Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, where he held off a charging Rory McIlroy to win by one shot after being tied for the 54-hole lead with Tiger Woods.
After nearly two decades on tour, Rock announced his retirement from professional golf in October 2022 to focus on coaching at his Robert Rock Academy. However, he made a remarkable comeback in 2024 by qualifying for the US Open at age 47.
Relationship Status
Robert Rock was married to Lynda Rock in 2007, but they later divorced.
Robert Rock’s Net Worth Details
Robert Rock’s net worth is estimated to be $10 million as of 2025. However, based on his career earnings on the European Tour, it is likely in the range of several million dollars.
Career Earnings
Over his 20-year professional career from 2003 to 2022, Robert Rock earned a total of €7,948,426.34 on the European Tour (now DP World Tour), ranking him 74th on the tour’s all-time Career Money List.
Prize Money
| Tournament | Year | Prize Money |
| Irish Open | 2009 | €500,000 (2nd place)* |
| BMW Italian Open | 2011 | €333,330 (1st place) |
| Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship | 2012 | €347,024 (1st place) |
Endorsements
Throughout his career, Robert Rock was known for not wearing a hat or visor while playing, foregoing the sponsorship income it could bring.
However, in 2016, ValueLicensing became the first company to sponsor his cap, although it was a flat cap rather than a traditional golfer’s hat.
In 2012, when he won the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, Rock played a mixed bag of equipment from various brands including TaylorMade, Callaway, Cleveland, Titleist, Odyssey, and FootJoy.
Career Stats
| Category | Result |
| Professional Wins | 5 |
| European Tour Wins | 2 |
| Best Major Finish | T7, 2010 Open Championship |
| Highest World Ranking | 55 (2012) |
Achievements
- Won the 2011 BMW Italian Open
- Defeated Rory McIlroy to win the 2012 Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship
- Reached a career-high world ranking of 55 in 2012
FAQs
1. Who is Robert Rock?
Robert Rock is an English professional golfer born on April 6, 1977, in Staffordshire, England. He played on the European Tour from 2003 to 2022 and is known for his two victories: the 2011 BMW Italian Open and the 2012 Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship. He is also recognized for not wearing a cap during tournaments and his work as a golf coach.
2. What are Robert Rock’s career highlights?
Robert Rock’s career highlights include his two European Tour wins, particularly his 2012 Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship victory where he defeated Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. He also achieved a career-best tied-7th finish at the 2010 Open Championship and reached a career-high world ranking of 55.
3. Why is Robert Rock known for not wearing a cap?
Robert Rock is one of the few professional golfers who chose not to wear a cap during tournaments. He dislikes caps because they do not suit him and prefers to avoid sponsorship constraints related to wearing specific apparel. This decision has made him stand out in the golfing community.
4. What is Robert Rock’s coaching career like?
After retiring from full-time professional golf in 2022, Robert Rock focused on coaching. He has worked with notable players like Matt Wallace, Lee Westwood, and Thomas Bjørn. He also runs the Robert Rock Golf Academy, mentoring young golfers and helping them develop their skills.
5. What is unique about Robert Rock’s playing style?
Robert Rock is celebrated for his smooth swing, which he developed through extensive study of biomechanics and inspiration from legends like Sam Snead and Ben Hogan. His meticulous approach to technique has earned him respect among peers and students alike.
6. What are Robert Rock’s achievements in major championships?
Robert Rock played in 12 major championships, with his best performance being tied-7th at the 2010 Open Championship. He also finished tied-23rd at the 2011 U.S. Open but did not secure any wins or top-5 finishes in majors.
7. How did Robert Rock start his golf career?
Rock began playing golf as a teenager at Ingestre Park Golf Club in Staffordshire. Initially aspiring to be a PGA teaching professional, he transitioned into competitive golf after excelling in local events and earning his European Tour card in 2003.
8. What is Robert Rock’s legacy in golf?
Beyond his playing achievements, Robert Rock’s legacy includes his contributions as a coach and mentor, as well as his influence on junior golf through initiatives like his junior tour program. His unconventional path to success inspires many aspiring golfers.
9. Why did Robert Rock retire from professional golf?
Robert Rock retired from full-time professional golf in October 2022 after a long career spanning nearly two decades on the European Tour. He cited a desire to focus on coaching and other ventures while stepping away from the rigors of competitive play.
10. What was Robert Rock’s most memorable win?
His most memorable win came at the 2012 Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, where he outperformed Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy in the final round to claim victory by one stroke. This win cemented his reputation as a top competitor on the European Tour.
