A professional golfer is somebody who receives payments or financial rewards in the sport of golf that are directly related to their skill or reputation. A person who earns money by teaching or playing golf is traditionally considered a "golf pro", most of whom are teachers/coaches. The professional golfer status is reserved for people who play, rather than teach, golf for a career.
55-402: Walter Charles Hagen (December 21, 1892 – October 6, 1969) was an American professional golfer and a major figure in golf in the first half of the 20th century. His tally of 11 professional majors is third behind Jack Nicklaus (18) and Tiger Woods (15). Known as the "father of professional golf," he brought publicity, prestige, big prize money, and lucrative endorsements to the sport. Hagen
110-404: A caddie , and earned money to help support his family from pre-teen age. He earned ten cents per round and was occasionally tipped another five cents. Hagen played golf at every chance he got; caddie access to the course was limited to off-peak times, as it was elsewhere in the U.S. during that era. Hagen, with assistance from head professional Alfred Ricketts , gradually improved his golf skill to
165-448: A 1968 renovation. A full social program was in effect in the early days of the club, with informal dances every Wednesday and Saturday night. Hagen, who broke the barriers of social ostracism against golf professionals, attested to the friendly atmosphere that prevailed when he said that the treatment he had received at Oakland Hills had spoiled him and made him accustomed to being treated as any golfer, pro or amateur, should be. Guest play
220-408: A 297 total. Runner-up that year was Bobby Jones , the defending champion, at 300. The Open returned to Oakland Hills again in 1937 when Ralph Guldahl , then a 24-year-old, won his first of two successive Opens with a 281 total. Two shots back in his oft-denied quest of an Open title was Sam Snead . Although many tournaments have been held throughout the years at Oakland Hills, the one which gave
275-467: A blowtorch hit a section of the outside wall. The wood structure went up in flames. In 1916, two Ford Motor Company executives, advertising head Joseph Mack and chief accountant and first sales manager Norval Hawkins, purchased a parcel of farmland on Maple Road – 15 miles (24 km) northwest of Detroit in Bloomfield Hills. Construction began in 1917 and Mack was elected as the first president of
330-687: A business it demanded constant playing in the championship bracket, for a current title was my selling commodity." Hagen battled throat cancer for over four years and had several operations. Two years before his death, he was honored with a testimonial dinner in August 1967 in Traverse City, Michigan , attended by major champions Arnold Palmer and Cary Middlecoff . A month earlier at the PGA Championship in Colorado , he expressed support for Palmer, saying he
385-468: A clubhouse to claim his prize because he had earlier been denied entrance. At the 1914 Midlothian Open he brazenly entered the clubhouse then mingled with the rich members who were delighted at which that episode permanently opened the doors. The 1920 U.S. Open in Toledo marked a turning point; the players, encouraged by Hagen, donated a large grandfather clock to the host Inverness Club , in appreciation of
440-562: A head-to-head duel with Andy North , the eventual winner, he was never able to recover from his disastrous experience on the fifth hole. In winning his second U.S. Open, North's 279 was the only sub-par total score for the Championship. In the 1960s and 1970s, the Club spent several million dollars in improvements, renovations, and additions to the Clubhouse and Club property. Extensive renovations to
495-403: A living solely from playing tournament golf until some way into the 20th century ( Walter Hagen is sometimes considered to have been the first man to have done so). In the developed world, the class distinction is now almost entirely irrelevant. Golf is affordable at public courses to a large portion of the population, and most golf professionals are from middle-class backgrounds, which are often
550-416: A major 2010 ranking. Major victories: There is some debate among golf historians as to whether Hagen should actually be credited with 16 major championships, second only to Jack Nicklaus and one ahead of Tiger Woods . (However, counting the U.S. Amateur , which is no longer considered a major championship, Woods' three U.S. Amateurs titles give him a total of 18, two behind Nicklaus's 20.) Hagen captured
605-570: A professional may not play in amateur tournaments unless the Committee is notified, acknowledges and confirms the participation. It is very difficult for a professional to regain their amateur status; simply agreeing not to take payment for a particular tournament is not enough. A player must apply to the governing body of the sport to have amateur status reinstated. Historically, the distinction between amateur and professional golfers had much to do with social class . In 18th and 19th century Britain, golf
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#1732872787404660-493: A semi-private Club open for daily green fee play. It was redesigned by Robert Trent Jones and reestablished as a second private course for the members at the beginning of the 1969 season. The barrier which Maple Road presented between the two courses was effectively overcome by installation of the world's largest arched aluminum pedestrian bridge. The bridge connecting the two courses is 210 feet (64 m) long, 11 feet (3.4 m) wide, and weighs 40,000 pounds (18,000 kg). It
715-413: A short visit, so be sure to smell the flowers along the way." Gene Sarazen , who was ten years Hagen's junior commented, "All the professionals ... should say a silent thanks to Walter Hagen each time they stretch a check between their fingers. It was Walter who made professional golf what it is." On the notion of golf as a financial endeavor, Hagen wrote in his autobiography, "My game was my business and as
770-552: A tie for a place Source for The Masters: www.masters.com Source for U.S. Open: USGA Championship Database Source for The Open Championship: www.opengolf.com Source for PGA Championship: PGA Championship Media Guide Professional golfer In golf, the distinction between amateurs and professionals is rigorously maintained. An amateur who breaches the rules of amateur status may lose said status. A golfer who has lost their amateur status may not play in amateur competitions until amateur status has been reinstated;
825-583: Is rated one of the greatest golfers ever. Hagen won the U.S. Open twice, and in 1922 he became the first native-born American to win The Open Championship , and won the Claret Jug three more times. He also won the PGA Championship a record-tying five times (all in match play ), and the Western Open five times when it had near-major championship status. Hagen totaled 45 PGA wins in his career, and
880-714: Is the case in countries like the United States and the United Kingdom. Professional golfers from these countries are quite often from poor backgrounds and start their careers as caddies, for example, Ángel Cabrera of Argentina , and Zhang Lian-wei , who is the first significant tournament professional from the People's Republic of China . In various countries, Professional Golfers' Associations (PGAs) serve either or both of these categories of professionals. There are separate LPGAs (Ladies Professional Golf Associations) for women. Under
935-437: The PGA Championship . According to most golf experts, this Championship drew the largest gallery in the history of golf. During this Championship, the "Monster" yielded a little to sub-par rounds occasioned by soft greens, low rough and superb golf played by an extremely qualified field of top-flight golfers. Nine contestants finished the regulation 72 holes under par, with Graham and Crenshaw both finishing at 272, 8-under-par. In
990-538: The Western Open five times (1916, 1921, 1926, 1927, and 1932), at a time when the Western Open was considered one of the premier events on the world golf schedule, second only to the U.S. and British Opens. Hagen captained the United States in the first six Ryder Cups , and played on the first five U.S. teams: 1927 , 1929 , 1931 , 1933 , and 1935 . Hagen has been inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame , in
1045-462: The "Walk of Champions" in 1993. Huge boulders, each 8–10 tons, containing commemorative plaques honoring twelve golfing greats, were installed along the first tee. Extra variegated stones will carry on future winners. In 1996 the first extra "Stone" was used after the U.S. Open. This Open will long be remembered for Steve Jones winning with a par on the 18th green. Tom Lehman and Davis Love III tied for second. The Open will also be remembered for
1100-483: The 2002 U.S. Amateur won by Ricky Barnes . The club also hosted the 2004 Ryder Cup and the 2008 PGA Championship . Oakland Hills hosted the 2016 U.S. Amateur, won by Australian Curtis Luck . Frustrated with not being selected for any major championships for at least two decade period, Oakland Hills decided to undergo a complete renovation of the South Course from the fall of 2019 to July 2021. Led by Gil Hanse ,
1155-523: The Mixed Grille and Director's Room. The 1991 U.S. Senior Open started with 37 amateurs and 119 professionals. Michigan's Mike Hill enjoyed the first day lead of 68. The second day of play was highlighted by difficult greens and J. C. Snead took the lead with a 69. On Sunday, Chi-Chi Rodríguez and Jack Nicklaus tied on the 18th green with 282. With the playoff on Monday, Rodríguez finished with 69 to Nicklaus' 65. Members and guests were introduced to
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#17328727874041210-482: The South Course (1918) and the North Course (1923). Oakland Hills has hosted many prestigious professional golf tournaments throughout its history, including six U.S. Opens and three PGA Championships , the 2004 Ryder Cup and the 2002 and 2016 U.S. Amateur on its South Course. On February 17, 2022, the main building was engulfed in flames. No injuries were reported. The clubhouse was having some flashing fixed when
1265-430: The U.S. Open five times. With many of the big names missing the cut, a relative unknown from Taiwan, Chen Tze-chung , found himself leading the field into the final round with the help of a rare double eagle on the second hole during the first round of play. Chen blew a four stroke lead with a quadruple bogey on the fifth hole primarily by hitting his ball twice on one approach shot. Despite a valiant effort on his part in
1320-544: The United States, the PGA of America has 31 distinct member classifications for professionals. Many of the classifications also have corresponding apprenticeship positions. Oakland Hills Country Club Oakland Hills Country Club is a private golf club in the central United States, located in Bloomfield Township , Michigan , a suburb northwest of Detroit . It consists of two 18-hole courses designed by Donald Ross :
1375-737: The charter class of 1974. Hagen has been portrayed by Bruce McGill in the 2001 movie The Legend of Bagger Vance , and by British actor Jeremy Northam in the 2004 Bobby Jones biopic Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius . Major championships are shown in bold . (This list is incomplete) Note: The PGA Championship was match play until 1958 Defeated Mike Brady in an 18-hole playoff – Hagen 77 (+6), Brady 78 (+7) NYF = tournament not yet founded NT = no tournament WD = withdrew DQ = disqualified DNQ = did not qualify for match play portion R64, R32, R16, QF, SF = round in which player lost in PGA Championship match play "T" indicates
1430-620: The club allowing access for the professionals to their clubhouse during the tournament. Hagen represented the Country Club of Rochester early in his professional competitive career; he was well supported by its members and management for his external competitive ventures. Beginning in 1918, Walter Hagen served as the first club professional at the now legendary Oakland Hills Country Club , in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan , northwest of Detroit. He worked for Oakland Hills until 1919, and then became
1485-546: The club. When the South Course of Oakland Hills was formally opened on July 13, 1918, it enjoyed prestige because of its designer - Ross, the foremost golf course architect of his day – and its first club pro, U.S. Open champion Walter Hagen . The clubhouse was the Miller farmhouse on the North side of Maple Road and the old chicken coop served as Hagen's pro shop. One hundred-forty memberships were sold at $ 250 each. The current clubhouse
1540-505: The clubhouse, and were not allowed to enter the clubhouse by the front door. On one occasion, at the 1920 British Open in Deal, Kent , Hagen hired a Pierce-Arrow car to serve as his private dressing room, because he was refused entrance to the clubhouse dressing room. He hired a chauffeur , and parked the expensive car in the club's driveway; this behavior raised a few eyebrows in class-conscious Britain. On another occasion, he refused to enter
1595-416: The course its greatest reputation as "The Monster" was the 1951 Open. The result was a tournament in which only two subpar rounds were shot during the entire 72 hole affair. Ben Hogan won with a total of 287 by shooting a final round 67 after which he was quoted as saying "I am glad I brought this course, this monster, to its knees." He also said that it was "the greatest test of golf I have ever played and
1650-581: The first matched sets of irons, around the same time that his great rival Bobby Jones was performing similar work for the Spalding company. The improved equipment expanded golf's appeal, brought high-quality clubs within the price range of many more players, and raised the standard of play. Hagen was the first golfer to earn a million dollars in his career. He said he "never wanted to be a millionaire, just to live like one". Hagen once expressed his creed in these words: "Don't hurry, don't worry, you're only here for
1705-647: The first touring professional unaffiliated with a club, a status he held alone for several years. In 1924, Hagen was president and co-owner of the Bear Creek Golf and Country Club associated with Jack Taylor's Pasadena-On-The-Gulf development in St. Petersburg, Florida. Due to influence from the public, the name was changed to the Boca Ciega Golf and Country Club and ultimately the Pasadena Yacht and Country Club. Hagen
Walter Hagen - Misplaced Pages Continue
1760-457: The growing popularity of this sport. Before the opening of the 1974 season, the first floor of the Clubhouse was redecorated and a new half-way house was built on the South Course. In 1976, both the downstairs and upstairs kitchens were completely remodeled and equipped to meet the demands of increased utilization by members of the Club's dining facilities. In 1982, the Galleria was installed along
1815-513: The main Clubhouse were made in 1968 which resulted in the removal of the sleeping rooms and the building of a new ladies locker room on the North end of the second floor of the Club. Rooms for private parties were also added on the second floor, a new Mixed Grille was built on the second floor, a new pro-shop was built, and the Men's Grille was expanded and refurbished. A new pool and pool house opened in 1971. Paddle tennis courts were also added to accommodate
1870-431: The player's score on a hole is not the primary goal, such as long drive and putting competitions, outside the amateurism rules. If an amateur accepts a prize of greater than this in a competition covered by the amateurism rules, they forfeit their amateur status, and are therefore by definition a professional golfer. Professional golfers are divided into two main groups, with a limited amount of overlap between them: In
1925-501: The renovation removed trees, increased the size of greens (while adding the SubAir system), and removed bunkers while increasing the size of the remaining ones. The main goals of the renovation was to make play easier for the membership, while making the course formidable for potential major championships. The United States Golf Association, considering awarding Oakland Hills for their first U.S. Open since 1996, visited multiple times throughout
1980-436: The renovation. On January 7, 2022, USGA announced Oakland Hills Country Club will host two U.S. Women's Opens in 2031 and 2042. On February 17, 2022, the clubhouse suffered a major fire. On March 22, 2022, USGA announced that Oakland Hills Country Club will host two U.S. Opens in 2034 and 2051, along with four additional USGA amateur championships, starting in 2024. Bolded years are major championships on
2035-433: The rules of golf and amateur status, the maximum value of a prize an amateur can accept is £700 or US$ 1000. Before the most recent increase in 2022, the maximum had been £500 or $ 750. The 2022 changes also significantly reduced the scope of competitions in which the prize limit applies. Before that time, the only competitions exempt from prize limits were hole in one contests. The 2022 changes took all competitions in which
2090-404: The same sort of backgrounds as the members of the clubs where they work or the people they teach the game, and are educated to university level. Leading tournament golfers are very wealthy; upper class in the modern U.S. usage of the term. However, in some developing countries, there is still a class distinction. Typically, golf is restricted to a much smaller and more elite section of society than
2145-478: The stage where he was an expert player by his mid-teens, and was then hired by the club to give lessons to club members and to work in the pro shop. He made his top-class professional debut at age 19 at the 1912 Canadian Open , placing 11th, a good showing. Hagen followed up with a surprise 4th place showing at the 1913 U.S. Open at Brookline where he stated that he was treated badly by the other professionals who knew nothing about him. Hagen said "they pushed me off
2200-539: The storm, which washed out the 18th hole bunker. The grounds crew worked throughout the night draining water from many holes and reconstructed the damaged bunker in time for play on Thursday morning. In January 1999, the club began a $ 16.25 million renovation project that included the Pro Shop, Bag Room, and remodeling and restoration of the clubhouse. The club reopened to the membership in May 2000. Oakland Hills Country Club hosted
2255-424: The suspenseful three-hole playoff, Graham sunk putts on the first and second holes to stay alive and clinched his victory with a birdie on the third hole. In 1981, the Club hosted the second annual U.S. Senior Open . The Championship was eventually won by Arnold Palmer in an 18-hole playoff with Billy Casper and Bob Stone . In 1985 , Oakland Hills became one of only three courses in the country to have hosted
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2310-481: The tee and told me I could practice when they were through". He vowed to play in the 1914 U.S. Open and "win it", and he did exactly that. Hagen was also very skilled at baseball, primarily as a pitcher and shortstop . He canceled a 1914 tryout for the Philadelphia Phillies in order to play in a golf tournament. Later that week, Hagen was the U.S. Open Champion, and his career was changed forever. Hagen
2365-401: The toughest course." Clayton Heafner who had a final round of 69, the only other sub-par of the tournament, finished second two strokes back. There was some comment after the last round of the tournament of the effect that the tee markers had been moved so far forward that last day as to take some of the fairway traps out of play. In any event, the natural result of this extremely difficult Open
2420-509: The walls of the second floor hallway from the Mixed Grille to the Ladies Lounge and Locker area. Over 200 pictures of past tournaments as well as views of the early Clubhouse and grounds were hung. Remodeling and expansion of the Men's Grille was completed in 1986. At this time major remodeling and decorating brought complete new looks in the Great Room, South Dining Room, Casino Bar as well as
2475-401: The world's top players, Hagen found his skills were much in demand with this exhibition format, and concluded it was much more lucrative than playing most tournaments. Hagen also made significant money endorsing golf equipment, and played a major role in helping to design clubs for Wilson Sports , which bore his name (either "Walter Hagen" or "Haig Ultra"). His work with Wilson produced some of
2530-442: Was a dashing and assertive character who raised the status of professional golfers and improved their earnings as well. Throughout his career, he played hundreds of exhibition matches, all across the United States and around the world; these tours popularized golf to an immense degree. Hagen was also widely known for his dashing wardrobe while playing; this featured expensive tailored clothes in bright colors and plush fabrics. As one of
2585-460: Was a key figure in the development of professional golf. He emerged in an era when the division between amateurs and professionals was often stark, with the amateurs having the upper hand in some sports, golf among them. This was especially true in Great Britain, the leading country in competitive golf when Hagen began his career. Golf professionals were not allowed to partake of the facilities of
2640-605: Was a member of "Arnie's Army." Hagen died in 1969 at age 76 at his home in Traverse City, and now rests at the Holy Sepulchre Mausoleum in Southfield, Michigan , next to his grandson. His pall bearers included Palmer. In 2000, Hagen was ranked as the seventh greatest golfer of all time by Golf Digest magazine. Hagen was ranked as the eighth greatest player of all time by Sports Illustrated / Golf Magazine in
2695-580: Was a six-time Ryder Cup captain. Born in Rochester, New York , Hagen came from a working-class family of German descent . His parents were William and Louisa (Boelke) Hagen. His father worked as a millwright and blacksmith in Rochester's railroad-car shops. Walter was the second of William and Louisa's five children and the only son. Hagen developed his golf game at the Country Club of Rochester , beginning as
2750-461: Was completed and formally opened in August 1922 at a cost of $ 650,000 unfinished. The original structure had accommodations for 48 overnight guests, as it was not uncommon in that era for members to stay at the Club for weeks at a time. Modern roads and nearby motels obviated the need for overnight accommodations and the need for space to meet the needs of expanded membership saw the last rooms eliminated in
2805-399: Was delivered to the site already assembled and erected in less than 2 1/2 hours early one morning. The first major tournament hosted was the Western Open in 1922 which was won by host pro Mike Brady , who had succeeded Hagen, by ten strokes over runner-up Jock Hutchinson . Two years later, in 1924, the club played host to the first of six U.S. Opens . This was won by Cyril Walker with
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#17328727874042860-452: Was most popular in the early days. In 1923 there was more guest play on our South Course than any other course in the Midwest. Work on the North Course began in 1922, completed in late 1923, and ready for play in 1924. For the first several years it was operated as it is today, i.e., a second course for the members. During the depression, however, it became necessary to operate it as North Hills,
2915-449: Was played by the rich, for pleasure. The early professionals were working-class men who made a living from the game in a variety of ways: caddying , greenkeeping, clubmaking, and playing challenge matches. When golf arrived in America at the end of the 19th century, it was an elite sport there, too. Early American golf clubs imported their professionals from Britain. It was not possible to make
2970-463: Was that from that point on the USGA no longer permitted the host clubs to control the layout for an Open tournament. The Club once again hosted the U.S. Open in 1961 when Gene Littler 's 281 nosed out Doug Sanders and Bob Goalby by a single stroke. But for bad luck on two holes on the back nine of the closing round, a young Jack Nicklaus may have won. The next major tournament held at Oakland Hills
3025-451: Was the 1964 Carling World Open which was won by Bobby Nichols whose 278 total beat out Arnold Palmer by a single stroke in an exciting finish. Next in line of major championships hosted by Oakland Hills was the 1972 PGA Championship . The tournament was won by Gary Player with a 281 total, highlighted by a late birdie on the famous 16th hole. Tommy Aaron and Jim Jamieson tied for second. In 1979 , Oakland Hills once again hosted
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