This Week in History: It’s Throwback Thursday and we bring you an interesting compilation of the significant moments that took place in this week in the history of Golf.

 

August 21, 1914

 

The US Open: Walter Hagen grabbed his first major championship title

 

 

                             Golf pundits say that it was Hagen who made Professional Golf what it is

 

 

On this day, American Professional Golf icon Walter Hagen had set the pace of his magical career. Hagen, who was just 22-years-old had won his first of eleven major championships at Midlothian Country Club in Midlothian, Illinois. The start of an incredible career was in the midst for Hagen, also credited with being a pioneer of the sport for Americans.

 

Hagen won 45 PGA Tour events and 11 majors, played for the U.S. in the first five Ryder Cup matches and captained the U.S. team in the first six.

 

Golf pundits say that it was Hagen who made Professional Golf what it is. Not many know that he initially wanted to become a baseball player. Interestingly, he confessed to one of his fellow golfers that he never really loved Golf, but he used his capability as a golfer to earn a lot of moolah. Now, that’s quite shocking indeed.        

 

 

August 23, 1981

 

Golf Legend Hale Irwin won the Buick Open after an exciting four-man playoff finish

 

 

                                  Hale Irwin is the most decorated player in the history of senior Golf

 

In 1981, Golf legend Hale Irwin, a three-time U.S. Open champion had his sights set on the Buick Open’s $63,000 first place check in the $350,000 purse.  Irwin played masterfully in the opening round navigating his way around the Warwick Hills Course in Grand Blanc, Michigan to -6 under par, 65. 

 

During the second round Irwin would falter compared to his previous outing and settle for a 73 bringing him to -5 after 36 holes.  He caught fire once again during the third round as Hale carded a smooth 67 to sit -10 before the final round.

 

He has three U.S. Opens to his credit, as well as two U.S. Senior Opens. He nearly won a third Senior Open at Bellerive Country Club in 2004, finishing a stroke behind Peter Jacobsen.