The world of golf lost another great today as Hall of Famer Billy Casper died at the age of 83.
Casper did not have much of an amateur career. He spent one year on the golf team at Notre Dame before returning to his home in San Diego to marry his wife Shirley in 1952. For the next two years, he competed in San Diego amateur tournaments, most notably against Gene Littler, one of the best amateur golfers of the 1950's and a future Hall of Famer in his own right. Casper turned professional in 1954.
Casper was one of the most prolific winners on the PGA Tour. In fact, only six men won more than Casper, who was able to accumulate 51 victories in his career. The first of his victories came two years into his career at the 1956 Labatt Open. He would win two events in 1957, and three in 1958. Casper's ascension to super stardom, however, would occur in 1959 with his first major triumph, a one stroke victory over Bob Rosburg at the US Open at Winged Foot. Over the next several seasons, Casper would be one of the biggest names on Tour, winning seven times in two seasons and a whopping 32 times throughout the 60's; however, with Arnold Palmer at the top of his game, Jack Nicklaus joining the Tour and beginning his career, and Gary Player coming to the United States, the majors would be come more difficult for Casper. It would be seven years before Casper would be able to win his second major, this time prevailing in a playoff against Palmer after Palmer gave away a three shot lead going into Sunday. Casper wouldn't have to wait nearly as long for his third and final major, as he was able to claim a green jacket at the 1970 Masters with a playoff victory over his boyhood rival Gene Littler. While Littler was able to win a US Open in the 60's, this would be the closest he ever got to a green jacket. His final win on the PGA Tour would occur in 1975. When the dust settled, Casper was able to pick up a win for 16 consecutive seasons, from 1956 to 1971, one short of the record held by Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer.
While Casper's win total is impressive, he is best known for his skills in the Ryder Cup. Casper played on eight Ryder Cup teams, from 1961 to 1975. To this day, he still holds the record for most points scored by an American at the Ryder Cup. Casper was also the captain of the 1979 team. All in all, Casper was involved in nine Ryder Cups, and was never part of a losing team.
After 1975, Casper started to see a downturn in his career, and was never able to pick up another PGA Tour victory, though he was able to win the 1977 Mexican Open. Casper would end up joining the Senior Tour and win nine events from 1982 to 1989, including two senior majors. Casper's final golf tournament was the 2005 Masters Tournament. He hadn't played in a PGA Tour event in over five years at that point, but he wanted to return to play in the final event of Jack Nicklaus' career, which was also coming to an end at that same tournament.
Casper was elected to the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1978. After his induction and as his playing time on the main tour started to dwindle, Casper spent a majority of his time designing golf courses and involving himself in charity. He founded the charity "Billy's Kids", which works for children in the San Diego area. At the end of it all, he won 69 professional tournaments worldwide, including three majors, was a two time player of the year, lead the money list twice, and won the Vardon Trophy five times. Billy Casper was among the greatest players to ever play the sport of golf, and we salute his accomplishments.
Rest in peace, Mr. Casper.
No comments:
Post a Comment