Gene Sarazen

 

Inducted in 2005 (Posthumously)

One of the greatest players in the history of the game, Gene Sarazen’s introduction to golf came as a young caddie at several local clubs near his family’s home in Westchester County, NY.

A native of Harrison, NY, Sarazen dropped out of school in the sixth grade and began caddying at the nearby Apawamis Club where he saw Harold Hilton – the winner of four British Amateurs and two British Opens – win the 1911 U.S. Amateur. He then worked as a club professional at several local clubs and honing his game before turning pro. Sarazen won his first major championship at the 1922 U.S. Open at the age of 20. Sarazen won seven major championships in all, the last coming at the Masters in 1935. He also notched 39 career PGA TOUR victories, and played on six U.S. Ryder Cup teams. Sarazen died in 1999 at age 97.

For his work promoting the important role of caddies in the game of golf, Gene Sarazen earned a place in the Caddie Hall of Fame, which recognizes individuals who support caddying.