Ed Fiori, a four‑time PGA Tour winner and beloved figure in professional golf, has died at the age of 72 after a courageous battle with cancer. Known for his tenacity and integrity, Fiori was widely regarded as a “pro’s pro”–a player who never backed down from a battle on the green.
The news of his passing, on July 6, was met with tributes from across the golfing world, including a warm statement from PGA Tour Champions president Miller Brady, praising Fiori’s determination both on and off the course.
“Ed Fiori was a true gentleman in our sport and is a player who would often be referred to as a pro’s pro,” Brady said. “In three of his four wins on the PGA Tour, he dueled down the stretch with future World Golf Hall of Fame members, most notably Tiger Woods in 1996.
“That grit and resolution in the face of immeasurable odds is incredibly admirable in every aspect of life, and I know he battled cancer with that same determination until the end. He will be missed by all of us at the tour.”
The Final Round Duel
It was July 1996 at the Quad City Classic (now the John Deere Classic), and a 43‑year‑old Fiori squared off against a rising phenom, 20‑year‑old Tiger Woods, holding his first 54‑hole lead. Tiger, in just his third professional start, had built an early lead. But after a quadruple bogey on the 4th hole and a four‑putt double bogey on the 7th, his momentum crumbled. Fiori seized the moment, firing a composed final round 67 to claim his fourth and final PGA Tour title–a two‑shot victory over Andrew Magee and one that denied Woods his maiden win despite leading after three rounds.
That triumph turned into golf folklore. Fiori’s ability to “chase down Tiger” became a celebrated narrative, one that he wore with pride. He later reflected, “Playing with Tiger kind of raised my intensity. It brought my game up with it,” highlighting the competitive fire that defined the showdown. For 13 years, his was the only name against which Tiger failed to convert a 54‑hole lead–a streak not broken until the 2009 PGA Championship.
“I’ve had a great life in a game I love. It was never easy. Lots of times, I was on that flight heading home on Friday nights,” Fiori said. “But I would not trade it for anything. Even today, people call me the Tiger killer. They don’t always get their facts straight, but I don’t mind. I’ll never forget that weekend at the John Deere.”
More Than Just Tiger’s Adversary
Born April 21, 1953, in Lynwood, California, Fiori sharpened his skills sneaking onto a nine‑hole municipal course near his home. He later starred at the University of Houston as part of the 1977 collegiate championship team before turning professional. He had planned to retire and become a charter‑boat captain prior to the Quad Cities win. That victory extended his competitive career. Known affectionately as “The Grip,” he battled weight and spinal issues later in life, yet remained a fixture on the senior circuit.
Fiori’s career spanned nearly two decades on tour, including wins at the 1979 Southern Open, the 1981 Western Open, and the 1982 Bob Hope Desert Classic. He amassed over 500 PGA Tour starts and added a Champions Tour win before retiring.
“I hung on for a few more years, and played for a while on the senior tour, but my back was always a problem,” Fiori said. “I had spinal fusion surgery in 2005, and from then on, I struggled to break 80.”
His wins often came under pressure, dueling down the stretch with other future Hall of Famers such as Tom Weiskopf and Tom Kite. Known for his gritty, methodical style, Fiori built his reputation on persistence and strong finishes.
The “Grip” Mystique: His Famous Hold and Its Influence
Fiori’s nickname, “The Grip,” came from his famously unorthodox, powerful hold on the club, especially on his driver and longer irons. His grip was a constant topic of chatter on practice ranges, with some saying it gave him incredible control and others thinking it caused his back strain. Few modern articles dig into how Fiori’s grip technique differed from the textbook, or how younger players experimented with copying it.
His grip became a signature of his individuality, a reminder that golf is as much about feel as form. Few managed to make it work like he did.
Amateur standout Garrett Engle has recently drawn attention for his own unusual grip style, proving that unconventional techniques continue to intrigue the golfing world.
“It’s pretty strong, basically split grip, but he just barely connects his right pinky and left index finger. He’s got a lot of control over the face, and the face doesn’t really open a whole lot,” Mocs head coach Blaine Woodruff said. “It stays pretty square through the hit for a long time.”
In an era increasingly obsessed with textbook mechanics, Fiori stood out as proof that success in golf comes from owning your unique style, and having the confidence to trust it when the heat is on.
Remembering “The Tiger Slayer”
Following the announcement, fans and colleagues took to social media with heartfelt messages.
“Sad to learn of the passing of Ed Fiori. I wrote him a letter in 1982 after he beat Tom Kite in a playoff at the Bob Hope, saying I’d like to meet him at the Westchester Classic later in the year. Sure enough, he wrote back. We met, and he was a class act. RIP, Gripper,” Nick Ragone said.
Another posted on X, saying, “Just heard that Ed Fiori has passed. He was so nice to me my one year at Univ of Houston. The pranks between Ed and Billy Ray Brown are legendary. And so ironic that the news comes out during the final rd of the John Deere where his most famous win vs Tiger occurred. RIP to The Grip.”
One of his good friends expressed their sadness online as well:
“Very sad day as my friend of many years, Ed Fiori, passed away. Ed was a 4 time winner on the PGA Tour, and had huge heart in this game. He will be missed by many. RIP Eddie, and may God Bless your family,” Mark Lye said.
“An original Flyer who was an integral piece of the back to back Cup champs. When I interviewed him for my book all those years ago, I was struck by what a gentle and nice man he was despite his tough on ice persona. Condolences to his family. RIP Ed,” Philadelphia Flyers TV play-by-play broadcaster Jim Jackson said.
Fiori’s legacy goes beyond a single remarkable win. His victories, forged in competition against titans of the game, defined a career built on perseverance and respect for the sport. That moment in 1996 wasn’t just a footnote. It was a defining chapter in golf history, a testament to the belief that determination can triumph over hype.
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