Julius Boros was born on this day in 1920 in Fairfield, Connecticut. He had a wide-ranging career at winning majors, the first in 1952 at the U.S. Open and second at the 1963 U.S. Open. He also won the 1968 PGA. The latter two he won at the expense of Arnold Palmer, who he sometimes called “my pigeon.”
Ian Woosnam, one of the main European stars that saw the continent usurp itself in major championships, was born on this date in 1958. “Wee Woosy” won the 1991 Masters as others faltered around him, and was a mighty asset in Europe’s surge in the Ryder Cup.
On this date in 1976, Jack Nicklaus won the Tournament Players Championship (later years The Players) at Inverrary Country Club in Lauderhill, Florida. Jack was back on his game, a long way from the 82 he had shot earlier in the year at the Bing Crosby Pro-Am. Nicklaus won by three strokes over J.C. Snead, played the par 5s 13 under par and didn't make a bogey in a final-round 65, seven under par. "
On this date in 1971, Jack Nicklaus won the 53rd PGA Championship at the first PGA National golf course, now known as BallenIsles, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Nicklaus won by two over Billy Casper. The victory completed a second career Grand Slam.
On today’s date in 1902, one of only five men to win the career Grand Slam was born in Harrison, New York. Gene Sarazen would win seven majors, including the Slam after he won the 1935 Masters. “The Squire” died in 1999.
On this date in 1965, Sam Snead shot a 68 to share the second-round lead in the 26th Senior PGA at five under par with Chick Harbert and Henry Ransom at Fort Lauderdale Country Club. Another 68 in the third round gave Sam control and he would win by four shots.
Tony Lema, the 1964 Open “champion golfer of the year” on the Old Course, was born on this date in 1934 in Oakland, California. Lema had one of the great personalities in golf history and was known as Champagne Tony for treating the media to a celebratory drink after a victory. Sadly, his full potential vanished suddenly in July 1966 when he and his wife and pilot died in a plane crash on their way from Akron, Ohio, to Illinois.
One of the most competitively pugnacious major champions, Zach Johnson, was born on this date in 1976 in Iowa City. He has won two majors, the Masters in 2007 and Open Championship in 2015, and in his 12 PGA Tour victories he’s also won The Colonial twice.
Wisconsin native and University of Illinois golfer Steve Stricker was born on this date in 1967. One of golf’s all-time best putters, Stricker won 12 times on the PGA Tour and was the 2019 U.S. Senior Open winner.
Amy Alcott, the five-time major winner and World Golf Hall of Fame member, was born on this date in Kansas City in 1956.
On this date in 1964, Sam Snead shot a four-under-par 68 at PGA National Golf Club to lead the 25th Senior PGA by three shots after two rounds. He would end up winning the 72-hole championship by three.
One of the more obscure major golf champions but boasting a cute nickname was born on this date in 1915. Melvin (Chick) Harbert was born in Dayton, Ohio. He won seven times on the PGA Tour but the PGA Championship was his specialty. He won it in 1954 and was also a two-time runner-up, in 1947 and 1952. The event was competed as match play those years. Harbert was 24-10 in the PGA match play from 1946 to 1957.
Paul Runyan had the rare distinction of winning the same senior major on the same date in consecutive years on the same course. In 1961 and 1962 Runyan won the Senior PGA at PGA National in Dunedin, Florida. In 1962, United Press began its wrap-up: “Little Paul Runyan clawed his way around the PGA National golf course two strokes under par today and won his second straight PGA seniors championship with a 72 hole score of 278 equal to the record he set last year and 10 under par. Runyan, never the leader until the last round, broke his way in front of the field with four birdies and a 33 on the front nine.”
Hall of Fame golfer Judy Rankin was born on this date in 1945 in St. Louis. After her playing career, she became one of the finest TV golf analysts and media contributors.
Just having celebrated the birthdate of the renowned Mickey Wright three days ago, born in 1935 in San Diego, today is the one-year remembrance of her passing on February 17 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. The World Golf Hall of Fame member won four U.S. Women’s Opens among her 82 victories.
South African golf legend Gary Player won the 1986 Senior PGA Championship on this date, winning by two shots over Lee Elder at PGA National Golf Club in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
On this date in 1987, Chi Chi Rodriguez won the PGA Seniors' Championship at PGA National, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, by one shot over Dale Douglass.
The greatest women’s golfer of all time, Mickey Wright, was born on this date in 1935 in San Diego. She would win 13 majors in her 82 LPGA Tour victories. She died in 2020.
Golfer Patty Berg was born on this date 103 years ago in Minneapolis, Minnesota. A member of the World Golf Hall of Fame, Berg was one of the original LPGA Tour founders. She grew up with future football coach Bud Wilkinson, just two years older, in her neighborhood.
On this date in 1989, the 50th PGA Seniors' Championship was played at PGA National GC and was won by Larry Mowry in a one-stroke victory over Al Geiberger and Miller Barber.