Ben Hogan
One of golf's greatest players, known for his ballstriking and the 'miracle at Merion'.
via Wikipedia: Ben Hogan · see source
William Ben Hogan (August 13, 1912 – July 25, 1997) was an American professional golfer who is considered to be one of the greatest players in the history of the game. He profoundly influenced golf swing theory, and was noted for his ballstriking skill and assiduous practice. Hogan won nine major championships and is one of six men to complete the modern career grand slam.
Quick Facts
- Full name
- William Ben Hogan
- Nickname
- The Hawk
- Bantam Ben
- The Wee Iceman
- Born
- 13 August 1912
- Birthplace
- Stephenville, Texas, U.S.
- Died
- 25 July 1997
- Place of death
- Fort Worth, Texas, U.S.
- Weight
- 145 lb / 65.8 kg
- Spouse
- Valerie Fox (1935)
Lore & Background
Hogan was introduced to golf through caddying at age 11 and turned professional aged 17. He struggled at the start of his career and did not win a professional tournament until he was 26. After serving in the U.S. Army Air Forces from 1943 to 1945, Hogan claimed his first major championship at the 1946 PGA Championship, which was one of his 13 tournament victories that year. He won the 1948 U.S. Open with a record score of 8-under 276. In 1949, Hogan sustained near-fatal injuries in a head-on collision with a bus while driving home from a tournament. He recovered and returned to golf, winning the 1950 U.S. Open in what became known as the 'miracle at Merion'. Hogan achieved the Triple Crown in 1953, with victories at the Masters Tournament, the U.S. Open and the Open Championship. In total, he won 64 professional tournaments recognized as PGA Tour events. Outside of playing golf, Hogan started his own equipment company and authored Ben Hogan's Five Lessons, which became one of the most influential and best-selling golf books. He was named an inaugural inductee to the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974.
Reader's Guide
Hogan was born in Stephenville, Texas, on August 13, 1912. His father Chester was a blacksmith who died by suicide in 1922. Hogan began caddying at age 11 at Glen Garden Country Club, walking seven miles each way to the club. He turned professional at age 17. He was self-taught through watching swings and trial and error, and developed an intense work ethic. Hogan's mother initially discouraged his golf, but he persisted. He dropped out of high school to pursue professional golf.
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