Michael Andrew Clayton

Michael Andrew Clayton (born 30 May 1957) is an Australian professional golfer, golf course architect and commentator on the game. He won the 1984 Timex Open on the European Tour and won six times on the PGA Tour of Australasia between 1982 and 1994.

Clayton was born in Melbourne, Victoria. He had a very successful amateur career which included the 1978 Australian Amateur, and the Victorian Amateur in 1977 and 1981.

Clayton turned professional in 1981, the same year he joined the Australian Tour. He won his first tour event one year later and would win six more times between then and 1994.

Clayton played on the European Tour from 1982 to 2000, winning the 1984 Timex Open in Biarritz. He also won the 1984 Maekyung Open. His best finish on the Australian Order of Merit was 4th in 1994. He would never lose his playing status until he became eligible for the Australian Senior's Tour.

Clayton was famously brought to attention for his "Infamous Putt", of which resulted in a one stroke penalty. As his putt was traveling towards the hole, Clayton twirled his putter in the air, but it slipped from his hands - he then dived towards the putter to catch it and in doing so, moved the ball with the putter, after which the ball hit him as he lay on the green.

Clayton played on the European Seniors Tour. He was runner-up in the 2009 Jersey Seniors Classic, losing at the third playoff hole to Delroy Cambridge.

Clayton is now a golf course architect, partnering with Geoff Ogilvy to create the firm Ogilvy Clayton Cocking Mead Golf Course Design. Clayton designed or was involved in the design of Barnbougle Dunes in Bridport, Tasmania and the Ranfurlie course at Amstel Golf Club.

Clayton also regularly appears on golfing podcasts to discuss the state of the game and golf course architecture.

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