Richard Dennis Kaplan (born 10 March 1962) is a South African professional golfer who currently plays on the Sunshine Tour.
Early life and amateur career Kaplan was born in Johannesburg. 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.
Professional career In 1986, Kaplan turned professional. He 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.
Personal life Kaplan currently lives in Sandton, Johannesburg with his wife and two children.
Amateur wins 1984 Southern Transvaal Open Strokeplay 1986 English Men's Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship
Professional wins (9) Asian PGA Tour wins (1) No.DateTournamentWinning scoreMargin ofvictoryRunner-up18 Dec 1996Royal Thai Classic−17 (65-70-69-67=271)Playoff Nico van Rensburg
Asian PGA Tour playoff record (1–0) No.YearTournamentOpponentResult11996Royal Thai Classic Nico van RensburgWon with birdie on first extra hole
Sunshine Tour wins (4) No.DateTournamentWinning scoreMargin ofvictoryRunner(s)-up17 May 1995Amatola Sun Classic−6 (68-70-72=210)Playoff Bobby Lincoln, Sean Pappas230 Sep 1995FNB Pro Series (Western Cape)−2 (72-70-72=214)2 strokes Sammy Daniels, Ashley Roestoff33 Mar 1996Hollard Royal Swazi Sun Classic−17 (66-67-70-68=271)Playoff Wayne Westner41 Apr 2000FNB Botswana Open−10 (71-67-65=203)1 stroke Callie Swart
Sunshine Tour playoff record (2–1) No.YearTournamentOpponent(s)Result11995Amatola Sun Classic Bobby Lincoln, Sean Pappas21996Hollard Royal Swazi Sun Classic Wayne Westner31998FNB Botswana Open Justin HobdayLost to birdie on first extra hole
Other wins (4) 1989 (1) Pietersburg Classic 1990 (2) Pietermaritzburg, Nissan Challenge 1991 (1) Pietersburg Classic
Results in World Golf Championships Tournament1999Match PlayChampionship61Invitational
Team appearances World Cup (representing South Africa): 1999
External links