Tom Kite Wife: Who Is Tom Kite Married To? (2026)

World Golf Hall of Famer Tom Kite was married to his wife, Christy Kite, for nearly 40 years, from 1975 until her death in 2015. Kite has not remarried since Christy's passing, dedicating himself to his family, friends, and golf in Austin, Texas.

Who Was Christy Kite?

Christy Lee Kite was the wife of 1992 U.S. Open champion Tom Kite. She was a accomplished athlete in her own right, playing college golf at Arizona State University. Christy passed away on January 23, 2015, at age 63, after a three-year battle with cancer. In an email to friends shared by Golf Channel, Kite wrote: "Last night the good lord took my girl away from all the pain and grief of this world to be with him … Christy fought a long tough battle, but cancer is a formidable, unrelenting foe. She lived a good life, and she would like for you to celebrate her life along with us."

Her funeral service was held in Austin, Texas. The Champions Tour family mourned her passing, with black ribbons provided on the first tee at Hualalai during the season-opening Mitsubishi Electric Championship in her honor, and tributes poured in from figures across golf including Dottie Pepper and Champions Tour president Greg McLaughlin.

Marriage Timeline

Tom and Christy Kite married in 1975, three years after Kite turned professional. Their nearly 40-year marriage spanned the entirety of Kite's prime competitive years: his rise to the top of the PGA Tour money list, his 1992 U.S. Open victory at Pebble Beach under brutal weather conditions, his record-setting earnings, his seven Ryder Cup appearances, and his captaincy of the 1997 U.S. Ryder Cup team. Christy was with him through it all. After her death in January 2015, Kite chose not to remarry; more than a decade later, he remains a widower who has devoted himself to his children, grandchildren, and the game.

Children

Tom and Christy Kite had three children: twins David and Paul Kite and daughter Stephanie Kite. The children were raised in Austin, Texas, where the family has long-standing roots — Kite's parents, Tom and Mauryene, moved to Austin in 1962. Stephanie became a standout coach with the University of Alabama national team program.

Career Highlights

Thomas Oliver Kite Jr. was born on December 9, 1949, in McKinney, Texas, and began playing golf at age six. He attended the University of Texas, where he tied Ben Crenshaw for the 1972 NCAA individual championship and was coached by legendary instructor Harvey Penick. He turned professional in 1972.

Kite won 19 PGA Tour events and 10 Champions Tour events. His lone major title came at the 1992 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, where he triumphed in punishing wind. He spent over 170 weeks in the top 10 of the Official World Golf Ranking from 1989 to 1994, became the first player to surpass $6 million in career earnings, played on seven U.S. Ryder Cup teams, and captained the 1997 Ryder Cup team. Known as one of golf's hardest workers, he pioneered the use of fitness training, sports psychology, and equipment innovation. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2004.

For more, see Tom Kite's net worth and Tom Kite's 1992 U.S. Open victory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Tom Kite's wife?

Tom Kite's wife was Christy Kite. They married in 1975 and were together for nearly 40 years until her death from cancer in January 2015.

Has Tom Kite remarried?

No. Tom Kite has not remarried since the death of his wife Christy in 2015.

How many children does Tom Kite have?

Tom Kite has three children: twins David and Paul, and daughter Stephanie.

What was Tom Kite's biggest career win?

Kite's crowning achievement was winning the 1992 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, his only major championship, secured under extremely difficult weather conditions.

How many Ryder Cups did Tom Kite play in?

Kite played on seven U.S. Ryder Cup teams and served as team captain in 1997.