Paula Creamer life and biography

Paula Creamer: A Stellar Career in Golf

Paula Creamer joined the LPGA Tour at age 18, and won at that same age. In that way she embarked on a successful career during which she was one of the most popular players on tour.

Early Life and Introduction to Golf

Paula Creamer was born on August 5, 1986, in Mountain View, California. Growing up in a family that enjoyed sports, she took up golf at the age of 10. Her passion for the game quickly became evident, and she rapidly progressed through the ranks of junior golf. Creamer developed her skills through intensive training and competition, making a name for herself at the junior level. She won an impressive 11 titles in the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA), showcasing her talent and determination. In 2003, her exceptional performance earned her the prestigious title of AJGA Player of the Year, solidifying her status as a rising star in the golf world.

Transition to Professional Golf

In pursuit of her professional dreams, Creamer entered the LPGA Tour Qualifying School (Q-School) at the end of 2004. She dominated the event, winning by five shots and earning her tour card. At just 18 years old, Creamer turned professional in 2005 and made an immediate impact on the LPGA Tour. Her rookie season was nothing short of spectacular. Creamer won her first two tournaments, including the Sybase Classic, just days before graduating from high school. This remarkable victory made her the third-youngest winner in LPGA history, a feat that captured the attention of golf enthusiasts worldwide.

Career Highlights and Major Championships

Throughout her career, Paula Creamer has established herself as one of the top players on the LPGA Tour. She has claimed a total of 11 professional tournament victories, with nine of those wins coming on the LPGA Tour. Creamer's most significant triumph came in 2010 when she won the U.S. Women’s Open, marking her first major championship title. Her performance during the tournament was exemplary; she was the only golfer to finish under par, securing the victory with a final score of 3-under-par, four strokes ahead of her nearest competitor.

In addition to her major victory, Creamer has achieved remarkable success in team competitions. She has represented the United States in multiple Solheim Cup events, where she has maintained an impressive singles record of 3 wins, 0 losses, and 2 ties, proving to be a key asset for the U.S. team.

Awards and Accolades

Paula Creamer's dedication to the sport has earned her numerous accolades throughout her career:

LPGA Rookie of the Year: 2005
U.S. Solheim Cup Team Member: 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011
U.S. Curtis Cup Team Member: 2004
Amateur of the Year by Golfweek and Golf Digest: 2004
These honors reflect her outstanding contributions to the sport and her ability to perform at the highest level consistently.

Challenges and Resilience

Despite her successes, Creamer’s journey has not been without challenges. In 2006, she faced a frustrating year as she battled a wrist injury, which hindered her ability to win tournaments despite posting 14 top-10 finishes. Her determination shone through in 2007 when she bounced back by winning the SBS Open at Turtle Bay and later securing a second victory that year.

The following years brought both triumphs and trials. Creamer enjoyed a breakthrough in 2008, winning four LPGA Tour events, making her the first American to achieve that number of wins since Juli Inkster in 1999. However, 2009 was a winless season for her, and the onset of 2010 brought new challenges as she suffered a thumb injury during the season opener.

After undergoing thumb surgery, Creamer worked diligently to regain her form. Her efforts paid off when she captured the U.S. Women’s Open title in July 2010, demonstrating her ability to overcome adversity and return to the top of her game.

Later Career Developments

In the years following her major victory, Creamer continued to compete at a high level. The 2011 season was challenging as she did not secure a win but achieved seven top-five finishes and made her sixth appearance on the U.S. Solheim Cup team. In 2012, Creamer participated in an unforgettable playoff at the Kingsmill Championship against Jiyai Shin, which became the longest two-player playoff in LPGA Tour history, stretching over eight holes before she lost.

Creamer maintained her competitive edge over the years, earning significant prize money and consistently finishing in the top 10 of various tournaments. However, she faced setbacks due to injuries, including a troublesome wrist injury that required surgery in late 2017.

Following a brief hiatus from the sport, Creamer returned to the LPGA Tour in 2021, marking her comeback after taking time off for maternity leave. Despite a rocky return, she continued to participate in events, showcasing her resilience and passion for the game. As of the end of the 2023 season, Creamer ranks 19th on the all-time LPGA career money list, with earnings exceeding $12 million.

Personal Life and Philanthropy

Off the golf course, Paula Creamer has built a reputation as a compassionate and giving individual. She graduated from the IMG Pendleton School shortly after her first LPGA victory in 2005 and relocated to Isleworth, Florida, in 2007. Creamer has partnered with several brands, including TaylorMade-Adidas, Citizen Watch Co., and Ricoh, which have contributed to her impressive endorsement income, estimated at $4.5 million in 2013. Her likeness has appeared in the popular EA Sports' Tiger Woods PGA Tour video games, further establishing her presence in the sports industry.

In addition to her professional commitments, Creamer is deeply involved in charitable endeavors. She has supported The First Tee, an organization dedicated to promoting junior golf, and hosts the annual Paula 4 Kids Celebrity Event to raise funds for the First Tee of Sarasota/Manatee. Creamer also offers scholarships to aspiring junior golfers and military families through her foundation.


On the personal front, Creamer announced her engagement to United Airlines pilot and Air Force veteran Derek Heath in December 2013, and the couple married in 2014. However, they separated in 2018. As of 2021, Creamer is engaged to former baseball player Shane Kennedy and welcomed her first child in January 2022, marking a new chapter in her life.

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