Encyclopedia, Difference between revisions of "Walter Hagen" - New World
Scott Wolfe (talk | contribs) |
|||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{claimed}}{{epname}} | {{claimed}}{{epname}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | Walter Charles Hagen (December 21, 1892-October 6,1969) was the first superstar in Golf due to his tremendous skill, and flamboyant, witty character. During his career, "The Haig" or "Sir Walter", as he was called by his fans, won 11 majors, made five [[Ryder Cup]] appearences, and holds the record for 22 consecutive matches won. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Throughout his carrer, Hagen constantly helped raise the status of the [[PGA]] tour. He became a celebrity during his tenure on tour for his actions such as refusing to dress in clubhouses, ordering limousines, and demanding first class treatment at all times. | ||
| + | |||
| + | His best skill on the course was his amazing short game. Hagen was known for being erratic with his driver, but would constantly amaze specators with his ablity to make great plays by the green. His play combined with his colorful personality made professional golf the sport it is today. | ||
==Early Life== | ==Early Life== | ||
| + | Hagen was born in Rochester, Ney York, as the only son of a local blacksmith. He was the second of five children, and began playing golf at the young age of five. He would practice the sport by playing in the family cow pasture: " I would herd the cows all in one spot where I had made a hole, so they could eat the grass and make a closs putting surface."<ref>http://info.detnews.com/history/story/index.cfm?id=132&category=sports</ref> Growing up, Hagen immersed himself in the sport of golf, and was hired as a caddy at a prominant country club. Andy Christy, the head pro at the club, gave Hagen lessons in his childhood, and was even challenged by Hagen during this tenure together, to a nine hole battle: "How about my beating you nine fast holes? His eyes convered me slowly for a few seconds, then he said, young man, when I want to play golf, I'll ask you."<ref>http://info.detnews.com/history/story/index.cfm?id=132&category=sports</ref> | ||
| − | + | ==Golf Career== | |
| − | + | While Hagen was mostly known for his skill on the golf course, he was also very skilled at baseball. He cancelled a tryout for the [[Philadelphia Phillies]] in order to play in the 1913 [[U.S Open]] at [[Midlothian Country Club]] in Blue Island, Illinois. Later that week, Hagen was crowned the U.S. Open Champion, and his career was changed forever. From (1913-1930), Hagen was one of the most dominant forces in golf as he won two [[U.S Opens]], five [[Western opens]], five [[PGA Championships]], and four [[British opens]]. He also was the captain of six American [[Ryder cup] teams, and had a nine and one career record in the match play event. His only loss came to[[George Duncan]], in 1929 at [Moortown Leeds]]. He is third all time in majors won with eleven. | |
| − | == | + | ==Influence on the Game== |
| − | + | Walter Hagen had a bigger influence on the game of golf then arguably anyone else in history. Early in the century, professional golfers main job was to teach the wealthy how to play the came, something that quickly changed once golf was introduced to Hagen. When golfers weren't allowed in the front door of clubhouses, Hagen would refuse to go in them at all. Instead, he elected to change in his car, and even ordered champagne to his limosuine at the 1920 [[British Open]]. His colorful personality made the fans of the game fall in love with him, and he soon became a superstar all over the world. At his prime, Hagen was able to demand an appearence fee of $40 to attend exhibition tournaments. His stardom led to more sponsors of the [[PGA]], which led to hire prize money for players. "All the players who have a chance to go after big money should say a silent prayer to Walter Hagen. It was Walter who made professional golf what it is."<http://library.thinkquest.org/10556/english/high/profiles/hagen.htm</ref> | |
==Hagan versus Jones== | ==Hagan versus Jones== | ||
| Line 13: | Line 20: | ||
==Life After Golf== | ==Life After Golf== | ||
| − | After retiring from golf, Hagen lived in Michigan, at the Detroit Athletic Club and the Book Cadillac Hotel. In 1954, Walter decided to move to a large estate that overlooked East Long Lake. Despite retiring as a professional, Walter still played golf frequently and even played celebrity figures such as [[Kind Edward VIII]] and [[Edsel Ford]]. Hagen died on (October 6, 1969, in [[Traverse City, Michigan]] at the age of 76. He now rests at the Holy Sepulchre Mausoleum, [[Southfield, Michigan]], next to his grandson. At the time of his death, Hagen was well-respected. His pall bearers included some legendary sport figures, [[Arnold Palmer]] and George Morris. | + | After retiring from golf, Hagen lived in Michigan, at the Detroit Athletic Club and the Book Cadillac Hotel. In 1954, Walter decided to move to a large estate that overlooked East Long Lake. Despite retiring as a professional, Walter still played golf frequently and even played celebrity figures such as [[Kind Edward VIII]] and [[Edsel Ford]]. Hagen died on (October 6, 1969), in [[Traverse City, Michigan]] at the age of 76. He now rests at the Holy Sepulchre Mausoleum, [[Southfield, Michigan]], next to his grandson. At the time of his death, Hagen was well-respected. His pall bearers included some legendary sport figures, [[Arnold Palmer]] and George Morris. |
==Legacy== | ==Legacy== | ||
Revision as of 19:40, 11 July 2007
Walter Charles Hagen (December 21, 1892-October 6,1969) was the first superstar in Golf due to his tremendous skill, and flamboyant, witty character. During his career, "The Haig" or "Sir Walter", as he was called by his fans, won 11 majors, made five Ryder Cup appearences, and holds the record for 22 consecutive matches won.
Throughout his carrer, Hagen constantly helped raise the status of the PGA tour. He became a celebrity during his tenure on tour for his actions such as refusing to dress in clubhouses, ordering limousines, and demanding first class treatment at all times.
His best skill on the course was his amazing short game. Hagen was known for being erratic with his driver, but would constantly amaze specators with his ablity to make great plays by the green. His play combined with his colorful personality made professional golf the sport it is today.
Early Life
Hagen was born in Rochester, Ney York, as the only son of a local blacksmith. He was the second of five children, and began playing golf at the young age of five. He would practice the sport by playing in the family cow pasture: " I would herd the cows all in one spot where I had made a hole, so they could eat the grass and make a closs putting surface."[1] Growing up, Hagen immersed himself in the sport of golf, and was hired as a caddy at a prominant country club. Andy Christy, the head pro at the club, gave Hagen lessons in his childhood, and was even challenged by Hagen during this tenure together, to a nine hole battle: "How about my beating you nine fast holes? His eyes convered me slowly for a few seconds, then he said, young man, when I want to play golf, I'll ask you."[2]
Golf Career
While Hagen was mostly known for his skill on the golf course, he was also very skilled at baseball. He cancelled a tryout for the Philadelphia Phillies in order to play in the 1913 U.S Open at Midlothian Country Club in Blue Island, Illinois. Later that week, Hagen was crowned the U.S. Open Champion, and his career was changed forever. From (1913-1930), Hagen was one of the most dominant forces in golf as he won two U.S Opens, five Western opens, five PGA Championships, and four British opens. He also was the captain of six American [[Ryder cup] teams, and had a nine and one career record in the match play event. His only loss came toGeorge Duncan, in 1929 at [Moortown Leeds]]. He is third all time in majors won with eleven.
Influence on the Game
Walter Hagen had a bigger influence on the game of golf then arguably anyone else in history. Early in the century, professional golfers main job was to teach the wealthy how to play the came, something that quickly changed once golf was introduced to Hagen. When golfers weren't allowed in the front door of clubhouses, Hagen would refuse to go in them at all. Instead, he elected to change in his car, and even ordered champagne to his limosuine at the 1920 British Open. His colorful personality made the fans of the game fall in love with him, and he soon became a superstar all over the world. At his prime, Hagen was able to demand an appearence fee of $40 to attend exhibition tournaments. His stardom led to more sponsors of the PGA, which led to hire prize money for players. "All the players who have a chance to go after big money should say a silent prayer to Walter Hagen. It was Walter who made professional golf what it is."<http://library.thinkquest.org/10556/english/high/profiles/hagen.htm</ref>
Hagan versus Jones
Throughout his career, Hagen was known for outdueling the other big names in the sport such as Ben Hogan, Byron Nelson, and Sam Snead. In 1926, Hagen challenged young start Bobby Jones, to a pair of 36-hole matches, an accomplishment that Hagen calls the biggest thrill ever in the sport of golf. However later in 1950, sports writers voted Bobby Jones, as the greatest golfer in the first half of the century, to which Hagen replied, "I would have voted for Jones, myself, He was marvelous."[3]
Life After Golf
After retiring from golf, Hagen lived in Michigan, at the Detroit Athletic Club and the Book Cadillac Hotel. In 1954, Walter decided to move to a large estate that overlooked East Long Lake. Despite retiring as a professional, Walter still played golf frequently and even played celebrity figures such as Kind Edward VIII and Edsel Ford. Hagen died on (October 6, 1969), in Traverse City, Michigan at the age of 76. He now rests at the Holy Sepulchre Mausoleum, Southfield, Michigan, next to his grandson. At the time of his death, Hagen was well-respected. His pall bearers included some legendary sport figures, Arnold Palmer and George Morris.
Legacy
Hagen was a dashing and assertive character who raised the status of professional golfers and improved their earnings as well. He was the most popular golfer of the time, and was never afraid to speak his opinion, or tell a good joke. Grand Rapids named a street after him in his memory to show respect for the amazing golfer. Scotland's Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, which actually had barred him from playing at the course 48 years earlier, made him the fourth American ever selected as an honorary member. Walter will also be known for his colorful dressing styles, and was the first sportsmen to ever be named to the country's best dressed list. Walter Hagen has also been inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.
PGA Tour wins (44)
- 1916 (3) Metropolitan Open, Shawnee Open, Western Open
- 1918 (1) North and South Open
- 1919 (2) U.S. Open, Metropolitan Open
- 1920 (3) Florida West Coast Open, Metropolitan Open, Bellevue C.C. Open
- 1921 (2) Western Open, PGA Championship
- 1922 (4) Deland Open Championship, Florida West Coast Open, White Sulphur Springs Open, British Open
- 1923 (5) Texas Open, Florida West Coast Open, Asheville-Biltmore Open Championship, North and South Open, Kansas Mid-Continent Pro Championship (tie with Joe Kirkwood, Sr.)
- 1924 (5) North and South Open, Metropolitan PGA, British Open, PGA Championship, Princess Anne C.C. Open
- 1925 (1) PGA Championship
- 1926 (4) Florida West Coast Open, Eastern Open Championship, Western Open, PGA Championship
- 1927 (2) Western Open, PGA Championship
- 1928 (1) British Open
- 1929 (4) Long Beach Open, Miami International Four-Ball (with Leo Diegel), British Open, Great Lakes Open
- 1931 (2) Coral Gables Open, Canadian Open
- 1932 (2) Western Open, St. Louis Open
- 1933 (1) Tournament of the Gardens Open
- 1935 (1) Gasparilla Open-Tampa
- 1936 (1) Inverness Four-Ball (with Ky Laffoon)
Major championships are shown in bold.
Other wins
- 1915 Massachusetts Open, California State Open
- 1920 French Open
- 1924 Belgian Open
Major Championships
Wins (11)
| Year | Championship | 54 Holes | Winning Score | Margin | Runners Up |
| 1914 | U.S. Open | 2 shot lead | +2 (68-74-75-73=290) | 1 stroke |  Chick Evans
|
| 1919 | U.S. Open (2) | 5 shot deficit | +17 (78-73-75-75=301) | Playoff 1 | Mike Brady
|
| 1921 | PGA Championship | N/A | 3 & 2 | 3 strokes |  Jim Barnes
|
| 1922 | The Open Championship | 2 shot deficit | 76-73-79-72=300 | 1 stroke | Jim Barnes
|
| 1924 | The Open Championship (2) | Tied for lead | 77-73-74-77=301 | 1 stroke | Ernest Whitcombe
|
| 1924 | PGA Championship (2) | N/A | 2 up | 2 strokes | Jim Barnes
|
| 1925 | PGA Championship (3) | N/A | 6 & 5 | 6 strokes | William Mehlhorn
|
| 1926 | PGA Championship (4) | N/A | 5 & 3 | 5 strokes | Leo Diegel
|
| 1927 | PGA Championship (5) | N/A | 1 up | 1 stroke | Joe Turnesa
|
| 1928 | The Open Championship (3) | 75-73-72-72=292 | 2 strokes | Gene Sarazen
| |
| 1929 | The Open Championship (4) | 4 shot lead | 75-67-75-75=292 | 6 strokes | Johnny Farrell
|
Note: The PGA Championship was match play until 1958
1 Defeated Mike Brady in 18-hole playoff - Hagen (77), Brady (78)
Results timeline
| Tournament | 1913 | 1914 | 1915 | 1916 | 1917 | 1918 | 1919 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Masters | NYF | NYF | NYF | NYF | NYF | NYF | NYF |
| U.S. Open | T4 | 1 | T10 | 7 | NT | NT | 1 |
| The Open Championship | DNP | DNP | NT | NT | NT | NT | NT |
| PGA Championship | DNP | DNP | DNP | T3 | NT | NT | DNP |
| Tournament | 1920 | 1921 | 1922 | 1923 | 1924 | 1925 | 1926 | 1927 | 1928 | 1929 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Masters | NYF | NYF | NYF | NYF | NYF | NYF | NYF | NYF | NYF | NYF |
| U.S. Open | 11 | T2 | 5 | T18 | T4 | T5 | 7 | 6 | T4 | T19 |
| The Open Championship | T52 | T7 | 1 | 2 | 1 | DNP | T3 | DNP | 1 | 1 |
| PGA Championship | DNP | 1 | DNP | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | T5 | T3 |
| Tournament | 1930 | 1931 | 1932 | 1933 | 1934 | 1935 | 1936 | 1937 | 1938 | 1939 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Masters | NYF | NYF | NYF | NYF | T13 | T15 | T11 | DNP | DNP | T33 |
| U.S. Open | T17 | T7 | 10 | T4 | T58 | 3 | T33 | DNP | DNP | DNP |
| The Open Championship | DNP | DNP | DNP | T19 | DNP | DNP | DNP | T26 | DNP | DNP |
| PGA Championship | DNP | T17 | T17 | DNP | T17 | T33 | DNP | DNP | DNP | T33 |
| Tournament | 1940 | 1941 |
|---|---|---|
| The Masters | WD | WD |
| U.S. Open | DQ | DNP |
| The Open Championship | NT | NT |
| PGA Championship | T9 | DNP |
NYF = Tournament not yet founded
NT = No tournament
DNP = Did not play
WD = Withdrew
DQ = Disqualified
"T" indicates a tie for a place
Green background for wins. Yellow background for top-10
External links
|
1895 Horace Rawlins · 1896 James Foulis · 1897 Joe Lloyd · 1898 Fred Herd · 1899 Willie Smith · 1900 Harry Vardon · 1901 Willie Anderson · 1902 Laurie Auchterlonie · 1903-04-05 Willie Anderson · 1906 Alex Smith · 1907 Alec Ross · 1908 Fred McLeod · 1909 George Sargent · 1910 Alex Smith · 1911-12 John McDermott · 1913 Francis Ouimet · 1914 Walter Hagen · 1915 Jerome Travers · 1916 Chick Evans · 1917-18 Cancelled due to World War I · 1919 Walter Hagen · 1920 Ted Ray · 1921 Jim Barnes · 1922 Gene Sarazen · 1923 Bobby Jones · 1924 Cyril Walker · 1925 Willie Macfarlane · 1926 Bobby Jones · 1927 Tommy Armour · 1928 Johnny Farrell · 1929-30 Bobby Jones · 1931 Billy Burke · 1932 Gene Sarazen · 1933 Johnny Goodman · 1934 Olin Dutra · 1935 Sam Parks, Jr. · 1936 Tony Manero · 1937-38 Ralph Guldahl · 1939 Byron Nelson · 1940 Lawson Little · 1941 Craig Wood · 1942-45 Cancelled due to World War II · 1946 Lloyd Mangrum · 1947 Lew Worsham · 1948 Ben Hogan · 1949 Cary Middlecoff · 1950-51 Ben Hogan · 1952 Julius Boros · 1953 Ben Hogan · 1954 Ed Furgol · 1955 Jack Fleck · 1956 Cary Middlecoff · 1957 Dick Mayer · 1958 Tommy Bolt · 1959 Billy Casper · 1960 Arnold Palmer · 1961 Gene Littler · 1962 Jack Nicklaus · 1963 Julius Boros · 1964 Ken Venturi · 1965 Gary Player · 1966 Billy Casper · 1967 Jack Nicklaus · 1968 Lee Trevino · 1969 Orville Moody · 1970 Tony Jacklin · 1971 Lee Trevino · 1972 Jack Nicklaus · 1973 Johnny Miller · 1974 Hale Irwin · 1975 Lou Graham · 1976 Jerry Pate · 1977 Hubert Green · 1978 Andy North · 1979 Hale Irwin · 1980 Jack Nicklaus · 1981 David Graham · 1982 Tom Watson · 1983 Larry Nelson · 1984 Fuzzy Zoeller · 1985 Andy North · 1986 Raymond Floyd · 1987 Scott Simpson · 1988-89 Curtis Strange · 1990 Hale Irwin · 1991 Payne Stewart · 1992 Tom Kite · 1993 Lee Janzen · 1994 Ernie Els · 1995 Corey Pavin · 1996 Steve Jones · 1997 Ernie Els · 1998 Lee Janzen · 1999 Payne Stewart · 2000 Tiger Woods · 2001 Retief Goosen · 2002 Tiger Woods · 2003 Jim Furyk · 2004 Retief Goosen · 2005 Michael Campbell · 2006 Geoff Ogilvy · 2007 Ángel Cabrera · 2008 Tiger Woods · 2009 Lucas Glover · 2010 Graeme McDowell · 2011 Rory McIlroy · 2012 Webb Simpson · 2013 Justin Rose · 2014 Martin Kaymer · 2015 Jordan Spieth |
|
1860 Willie Park, Snr. · 1861-62 Tom Morris, Sr. · 1863 Willie Park, Snr. · 1864 Tom Morris, Sr. · 1865 Andrew Strath · 1866 Willie Park, Snr. · 1867 Tom Morris, Sr. · 1868-69-70 Tom Morris, Jr. · 1871 No championship · 1872 Tom Morris, Jr. · 1873 Tom Kidd · 1874 Mungo Park · 1875 Willie Park, Snr. · 1876 Bob Martin · 1877-78-79 Jamie Anderson · 1880-81-82 Bob Ferguson · 1883 Willie Fernie · 1884 Jack Simpson · 1885 Bob Martin · 1886 David Brown · 1887 Willie Park, Jnr. · 1888 Jack Burns · 1889 Willie Park, Jnr. · 1890 John Ball · 1891 Hugh Kirkaldy · 1892 Harold Hilton · 1893 William Auchterlonie · 1894-95 John Henry Taylor · 1896 Harry Vardon · 1897 Harold Hilton · 1898-99 Harry Vardon · 1900 John Henry Taylor · 1901 James Braid · 1902 Sandy Herd · 1903 Harry Vardon · 1904 Jack White · 1905-06 James Braid · 1907 Arnaud Massy · 1908 James Braid · 1909 John Henry Taylor · 1910 James Braid · 1911 Harry Vardon · 1912 Edward Ray · 1913 John Henry Taylor · 1914 Harry Vardon · 1915-19 No Championships due to World War I · 1920 George Duncan · 1921 Jock Hutchison · 1922 Walter Hagen · 1923 Arthur Havers · 1924 Walter Hagen · 1925 Jim Barnes · 1926-27 Bobby Jones · 1928-29 Walter Hagen · 1930 Bobby Jones· 1931 Tommy Armour · 1932 Gene Sarazen · 1933 Denny Shute · 1934 Henry Cotton · 1935 Alf Perry · 1936 Alf Padgham · 1937 Henry Cotton · 1939 Richard Burton (golfer) · 1940-45 No Championships due to World War II · 1946 Sam Snead · 1947 Fred Daly · 1948 Henry Cotton · 1949-50 Bobby Locke · 1951 Max Faulkner · 1952 Bobby Locke · 1953 Ben Hogan · 1954-55-56 Peter Thomson · 1957 Bobby Locke · 1958 Peter Thomson · 1959 Gary Player · 1960 Kel Nagle · 1961-62 Arnold Palmer · 1963 Bob Charles · 1964 Tony Lema · 1965 Peter Thomson · 1966 Jack Nicklaus · 1967 Roberto DeVicenzo · 1968 Gary Player · 1969 Tony Jacklin · 1970 Jack Nicklaus · 1971-72 Lee Trevino · 1973 Tom Weiskopf · 1974 Gary Player · 1975 Tom Watson · 1976 Johnny Miller · 1977 Tom Watson · 1978 Jack Nicklaus · 1979 Severiano Ballesteros · 1980 Tom Watson · 1981 Bill Rogers · 1982-83 Tom Watson · 1984 Severiano Ballesteros · 1985 Sandy Lyle · 1986 Greg Norman · 1987 Nick Faldo · 1988 Severiano Ballesteros · 1989 Mark Calcavecchia · 1990 Nick Faldo · 1991 Ian Baker-Finch · 1992 Nick Faldo · 1993 Greg Norman · 1994 Nick Price · 1995 John Daly · 1996 Tom Lehman · 1997 Justin Leonard · 1998 Mark O'Meara · 1999 Paul Lawrie · 2000 Tiger Woods · 2001 David Duval · 2002 Ernie Els · 2003 Ben Curtis · 2004 Todd Hamilton · 2005-06 Tiger Woods · 2007-08 Pádraig Harrington · 2009 Stewart Cink · 2010 Louis Oosthuizen · 2011 Darren Clarke · 2012 Ernie Els · 2013 Phil Mickelson · 2014 Rory McIlroy · 2015 Zach Johnson |
|
Matchplay era |
References and suggested reading
- Hagen, W. 2004"The Walter Hagen Story: By The Haig, Himself". Sports Media Group. ISBN 1587261316
- Lowe, S 2004. "Sir Walter And Mr. Jones: Walter Hagen, Bobby Jones, And The Rise Of American Golf". Sports Media Group. ISBN 1587261871
- Clavin, T. 2005. "Sir Walter: Walter Hagen and the Invention of Professional Golf". Simon & Schuster. ISBN 0743204867 ISBN 978-0743204866
Credits
New World Encyclopedia writers and editors rewrote and completed the Wikipedia article in accordance with New World Encyclopedia standards. This article abides by terms of the Creative Commons CC-by-sa 3.0 License (CC-by-sa), which may be used and disseminated with proper attribution. Credit is due under the terms of this license that can reference both the New World Encyclopedia contributors and the selfless volunteer contributors of the Wikimedia Foundation. To cite this article click here for a list of acceptable citing formats.The history of earlier contributions by wikipedians is accessible to researchers here:
The history of this article since it was imported to New World Encyclopedia:
Note: Some restrictions may apply to use of individual images which are separately licensed.
