Richard Kaplan (golfer)

Richard Dennis Kaplan (born 10 March 1962) is a South African professional golfer who currently plays on the Sunshine Tour.

Kaplan was born in Johannesburg and currently lives in Sandton, Johannesburg with his wife and two children. He had a decorated amateur career during the 1980s, which included winning the English Men's Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship (Brabazon Trophy) in 1986 and the Southern Transvaal Open Strokeplay in 1984. He also earned his Springbok colors four times.

Kaplan turned professional in 1986 and won for the first time on the Sunshine Tour in 1995. He added three more tour wins between then and 2000. His best year-end finish on the Order of Merit was 9th in 1993, 1994 and 1995.

Kaplan has also competed on the Asian Tour where, in 1996, he won the Royal Thai Classic and finished in the top 20 on the Order of Merit.

Speaking in an interview, Kaplan said that his heroes are Jack Nicklaus because "he's the greatest" and Tiger Woods because "he's becoming the greatest".

Amateur highlights

 * Springbok Colors 4 Times
 * 1984 Southern Transvaal Open Strokeplay
 * 1986 English Men's Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship

Asian PGA Tour wins (1)
Asian PGA Tour playoff record (1–0)

Sunshine Tour wins (4)
Sunshine Tour playoff record (2–1)

Other wins (4)

 * 1989 (1) Pietersburg Classic
 * 1990 (2) Pietermaritzburg, Nissan Challenge
 * 1991 (1) Pietersburg Classic

Results in World Golf Championships
{{legend|#eeeeee|Did not play}}

Team appearances

 * World Cup (representing South Africa): 1999