Trevor Ng
Frank is a name shared by several notable figures in the world of golf. Frank Nobilo, a golfer from New Zealand, made significant contributions to the sport and was recognised with an honour for his services to golf. Frank Beard, an American former professional golfer, is another well-known figure with tournament victories to his name. Additionally, in the film 'Happy Gilmore 2', Frank Manatee is a fictional character associated with the sport. These individuals, both real and fictional, have left their mark on the world of golf, whether through their athletic achievements or cultural influence.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Frank |
| Surname | Nobilo, Beard, Manatee |
| Profession | Golfer, Golf commentator |
| Nationality | New Zealander, American |
| Awards | Appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to golf, in the 1998 Queen's Birthday Honours, Inducted into the University of Florida Athletic Hall of Fame as a "Gator Great" |
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What You'll Learn
Frank Nobilo, a retired golfer and TV commentator
Frank Nobilo is a well-respected name in the world of golf, both as a former professional player and as a TV commentator. Born in New Zealand in 1967, Nobilo had a distinguished amateur career, winning the New Zealand Amateur twice and representing his country internationally before turning professional in 1984.
Known for his smooth swing and strategic approach to the game, Nobilo enjoyed a successful professional career, primarily on the European Tour. He won a total of 15 tournaments worldwide, including the prestigious IBM Japanese Open in 1991 and the Canadian Open in 1997, where he defeated the legendary golfer, Tiger Woods, in a playoff. Nobilo also had several top-10 finishes in major championships, with his best result being a tie for 6th place at the Masters Tournament in 1996.
Following his retirement from competitive golf in 2003, Nobilo transitioned into the role of a TV commentator and analyst, becoming a familiar voice and face for golf fans around the globe. He joined the team at Golf Channel, offering insights and commentary on a range of tournaments and golf-related programs. Nobilo's extensive knowledge of the game, combined with his articulate and engaging delivery, quickly established him as one of the most respected voices in golf broadcasting.
Over the years, Nobilo has covered some of the sport's most prestigious events, including the Masters, the U.S. Open, the Open Championship, and the PGA Championship. He has also contributed to coverage of the Ryder Cup, bringing his unique perspective as a former player to the analysis of this highly anticipated team event. In addition to his work with Golf Channel, Nobilo has also served as a commentator for other major networks, offering his expertise to a wide audience and helping to grow the game's popularity.
Frank Nobilo's career, both on the course and in the broadcast booth, has left a lasting impact on the world of golf. His playing career inspired a generation of golfers in New Zealand and beyond, while his commentary has educated and entertained fans, offering a deeper understanding of the complex and captivating game of golf.
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Frank Beard, a golfer and commentator
Joseph Franklin Beard, born on May 1, 1939, in Dallas, Texas, is an American former professional golfer. He attended Saint Xavier High School in Louisville, Kentucky, and won the Kentucky state high school golf championship as a senior in 1957. After graduating from high school, he attended the University of Florida in Gainesville, where he played for the Florida Gators men's golf team in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) competition from 1958 to 1961. During his time at the university, he was recognized as an All-American in 1960 and 1961 and graduated with a bachelor's degree in accounting in 1961.
Beard turned professional in 1962 and went on to have a successful career on the PGA Tour. In 1969, he led the PGA Tour in earnings, making $164,707 (some sources state $175,223), which was more than contemporary golfers Nicklaus, Palmer, Trevino, and Player. During his career, he won eleven PGA Tour events, including victories in the Tournament of Champions in 1967 and 1970. He was also a member of the U.S. team in the Ryder Cup in 1969 and 1971, with a 2–3–3 win-loss-half record. His best finishes in a major tournament were a third-place finish and a tie for third in the 1965 and 1975 U.S. Opens, respectively.
After turning 50, Beard played on the Senior PGA Tour (now the Champions Tour) and won the 1990 Murata Reunion Pro-Am. In addition to his accomplishments as a golfer, Beard has also worked as a golf commentator for ESPN. He was inducted into the University of Florida Athletic Hall of Fame in 1969 as a "Gator Great."
Despite his success, Beard faced challenges in his career and personal life. He shared his struggles in an interview, reflecting on a low point in his life when he was psychologically unprepared to lead a tournament despite being physically capable. This period lasted several years, but he eventually found his way back with the help of a woman he met in 1980. Today, Beard resides in La Quinta, California, and continues to play golf at the Palms Country Club.
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Frank Manatee, a fictional character from *Happy Gilmore 2*
Frank Manatee is a fictional character in the 2025 film *Happy Gilmore 2*, played by Benny Safdie. Manatee is the halitosis-plagued creator of Maxi Golf, a stunt-based golf association that rivals the long-established Tour Championship league in the film. In an interview with TIME, Safdie said that he instantly accepted the role of Manatee when Sandler called to offer it to him.
Safdie also spoke about working with directing greats like Christopher Nolan. He shared a story about Nolan asking him to get in better shape for his role in *The Odyssey*, which he was editing simultaneously while acting in *Happy Gilmore 2*.
In the same interview, Safdie expressed that if he could inspire “even an eighth of the level of hatred Shooter did," he would consider his portrayal of Manatee a success.
Happy Gilmore 2 is the long-awaited sequel to the Adam Sandler film and was released on Netflix on July 25, 2025.
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Frank Nobilo, a winery ambassador
Frank Nobilo is a New Zealand former professional golfer with an impressive playing career, winning 14 pro tournaments around the world. He was at his peak during the mid-1990s, producing strong finishes in all four major championships. Since his retirement in 2003, Nobilo has worked as a television announcer and commentator for golf events.
In addition to his career in golf, Frank Nobilo is also an ambassador for The House of Nobilo, one of New Zealand's leading wineries. The winery was founded by one of his relatives, Nikola Nobilo, and Frank acts as its representative. Nobilo has had a successful career in the wine industry, combining his interest in wine with his expertise in golf.
Nobilo was born in Auckland, New Zealand, in 1960, and has an exotic background, being the great-grandson of an Italian pirate. He was educated at St Peter's College in Auckland, where he was persuaded to take up golf by his schoolmates. Despite his initial interest in rugby league, Nobilo eventually excelled at golf, winning the New Zealand Amateur Championships in 1978 at just 18 years old.
Nobilo turned professional in November 1979 and secured his first professional win in 1982 at the New South Wales PGA Championship. He joined the European Tour in 1985 as a full-time player and achieved his first win on the Tour in 1988 at the PLM Open. Over the course of his career, Nobilo accumulated a total of 14 professional wins across different tours, including the European Tour, Australasian Tour, PGA Tour, and Asian Tour.
In addition to his golfing achievements, Nobilo has also contributed to the international appeal of the sport. In 1998, he paired with fellow New Zealander Greg Turner to defeat the American pairing with a 70-foot putt on the final green. This victory showcased Nobilo's skills and enhanced the popularity of golf in New Zealand and beyond.
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Frank Nobilo, a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit
Frank Nobilo, a New Zealand former professional golfer, was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to golf in the 1998 Queen's Birthday Honours. The New Zealand Order of Merit was instituted by Royal Warrant dated May 30, 1996, and is awarded to those who have rendered meritorious service to the Crown and the nation or who have become distinguished by their eminence, talents, contributions, or other merits. The motto of the Order is "For Merit" in English, and "Tohu Hiranga" in Maori, which translates to "to achieve excellence".
Frank Nobilo had a successful playing career, winning 14 pro tournaments around the world. He was at his peak during the mid-1990s, when he produced strong finishes in all four major championships. He won his first professional tournament in 1982 at the New South Wales PGA Championship on the PGA Tour of Australasia. Nobilo joined the European Tour in 1985 as a full-time player, recording his first win on the Tour in the 1988 PLM Open. He went on to win four other European Tour events and finished inside the top 50 on the Order of Merit every season from 1988 to 1996, with a best of 14th place in 1993.
After strong performances in all the majors, including a 4th-place finish in the Masters Tournament and a tie for 8th in the PGA Championship, Nobilo left Europe at the end of 1996 and joined the United States-based PGA Tour for the following season. He won the Greater Greensboro Chrysler Classic during his rookie season, which proved to be his only win on that tour. He has also featured in the top 50 of the Official World Golf Rankings.
Upon retiring from tournament golf in 2003, Nobilo joined the Golf Channel for studio coverage and has since worked as a television announcer for golf events. He joined CBS's golf coverage in 2015, replacing Peter Oosterhuis. He also served as the assistant captain for the 2009 Presidents Cup at Harding Park Golf Course in San Francisco.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Frank is not a golf term. However, there are several notable people named Frank who are associated with golf.
One notable person is Frank Nobilo, a golfer from New Zealand who was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to golf. Another is Frank Beard, an American former professional golfer who was a member of the PGA Tour and Champions Tour and won eleven PGA Tour events.
Frank Nobilo contributed significantly to the international appeal of golf in New Zealand. He won several tournaments, including the New Zealand Amateur in 1978 and the PLM Open in 1988. He retired from tournament golf in 2003 and joined the Golf Channel for studio coverage.
Frank Beard won eleven PGA Tour events and topped the PGA Tour money list in 1969 with earnings of $175,223. He was inducted into the University of Florida Athletic Hall of Fame in 1969 and has also worked as a golf commentator on ESPN.
Yes, in the slapstick comedy film 'Happy Gilmore 2', there is a character named Frank Manatee who is associated with golf. However, the film is not based on a true story, and the character is fictional.
