Here are some golf facts that would make the cut in any reminiscing tournament.
• Among Gene Sarazen’s achievements and contributions to golf was his invention of the sand wedge.
• Walter Hagen, in the 1920s, was the first professional to make a living playing golf rather than teaching it as a club pro.
• Phil Mickelson may be the most successful left-handed golfer ever, but he’s right-handed in everything else he does.
• Today, purses on the PGA Tour routinely exceed $5 million. Quite a difference from Nicklaus’ first paycheck on Tour: $33.33 at the 1962 L.A. Open.
• Before the 1930s, clubs were identified by names. Instead of a 3-wood, 5-iron or 9-iron, you would have used a spoon, a mashie or a niblick.
• Dr. Cary Middlecoff, an Honoree at this year’s Memorial Tournament, gave up dentistry to play golf and won 37 tournaments, including the Masters and two U.S. Opens.
• Of the last 10 U.S. presidents, nine have been golfers; only Jimmy Carter was not.
• Jack Nicklaus grew up idolizing Bobby Jones, who won the 1926 U.S. Open at Scioto Country...