High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! James Michael Furyk (born May 12, 1970) is an American professional golfer, known for consistently playing at the top level and for a visibly unconventional, looping golf swing. Due to his ability to perform at such a high level despite that swing, his devoted fan base has given him the nickname "The Grinder". In September 2006 he reached a career high of second in the Official World Golf Rankings. He has ranked in the top-10 for over 270 weeks between 1999 and 2009.