This South African golfer was born in Kroonstad, South Africa on September 15, 1957 into a large, wealthy Lebanese family. His family owned the largest corn farm in that side of the hemisphere. Used to a privileged lifestyle, Allem saw no need to pursue college and instead pursued golf, a game that he played since he was seven.
Allem, often nicknamed ‘Fulty,’ turned pro in 1976 and spent his early years as a pro in South Africa, winning eleven times on the sunshine tour in the years spanning 1985 and 1991. He landed on second place at the NEC World Series of Golf, a game that led to his decision to try out for the PGA. He won his first tournament in the PGA in 1991 at the Independent Insurance Agent Open, now renamed the Shell Houston Open.
| Born | 15 Sep 1957 |
| Nationality |
South Africa
|
| Nickname | Fulty |
He bagged two victories on the PGA Tour in 1993 and landed 9th on the money list. However, this is also the time when medical problems started to accumulate and affect his play. Allem has been diagnosed with a herniated disc in his lower back which was discovered in 1994, as well as pericarditis in 1998, an inflammation involving the membranes covering the heart which is potentially fatal. More problems with his vertebrae and spine occurred in 2003. A number of heart attacks also seriously impeded his efforts to play. However, Allem was able to join the Champions Tour in 2008 and has had three runner up finishes since then.
The South African pro now calls Central Florida his home, where he lives with his wife and daughters.
