Austin was born in Tampa, Florida and attended George D. Chamberlain High School where he graduated in 1982 and was awarded best golf player in the conference.

[2] He attended the University of Miami, where he was a member of the golf team coached by Norman C. Parsons Jr.

During the 2007 Presidents Cup, Austin fell into a pond while attempting to hit a shot with one foot in the water.

[4] During his singles match against 2007 U.S. Open Champion Ángel Cabrera, he wore a pair of swimming goggles.

In that season's PGA Championship, Austin was given a four-stroke penalty for having fifteen clubs in his bag; he would miss the cut by one stroke.