Golfer Jack Burke Jr. is the oldest living Masters Champion. He died Friday morning in his hometown of Houston at the age of 100, according to the Associated Press.
Burke was an icon in the golf community. The World War II veteran's 1956 comeback at Augusta is legendary. according to In the New York Times.
Burke, 33 at the time, had not won on tour in nearly three years and reportedly told others he was considering retiring. According to the paper, he entered the final round with an eight-stroke lead over leader Ken Venturi. He reportedly fought his way past eight fellow golfers by one stroke to win the Masters.
A true legend of the game.
We are 2004 Bob Jones Award winners and two-time major champions. @GolfHallofFame A member who passed away at the age of 100.
— USGA (@USGA) January 19, 2024
It was the biggest comeback in Masters history. according to To the Associated Press.
He will also reportedly win the PGA Championship later that year. His efforts earned him PGA Player of the Year honors, the Associated Press reported. (Related: Saudi Arabia plans to spend more than $1 billion on new golf league, PGA Tour officials testify)
Burke Jr. reportedly won a total of 16 times on the PGA Tour during his illustrious career.
He will later team up with coach and fellow golfer Jimmy Demaret to open Champions Golf Club in Houston, the outlet said.
He was a well-respected and popular golfer as well as an instructor, and according to the New York Times, he taught professionals such as Phil Mickelson and Hal Sutton. And tour pros and amateurs alike enjoyed his insight and sharp wit.
According to the Associated Press, his wisdom includes wise and resonant lines like, “God gave us only 10 commandments, so why did golf give us 34 rules?” It is said that it was
