Sam Snead's Biography

Full Name: Samuel Jackson Snead
Height: 5-11
Weight: 190
Birth Date: May 27, 1912 – May 23, 2002
Resting Place: Hot Springs, VA
Family: Sam, Jr. ( 6/30/44 ), Terrence ( 5/27/52 ); two grandchildren
Special Interests: Fishing, Hunting
Turned Professional: 1934
Joined Tour: 1980

Known as ‘SLAMMIN SAM' because of his lengthy drives, Sam Snead was also blessed with a beautifully smooth swing. It brought him an outstanding 84 victories on the American tour and further 80 worldwide. Amazingly, the US Open always eluded him – he finished second four times between 1937 and 1949.

The world caught its first glimpse of Snead's magic stroke at Hershey in 1936. He hit the first green 345 yards away and eventually managed to finish fifth. Desperately short of cash, a good finish at his fourth official event at Oakland earned him US $1,200.

In 1979, he became the first player to score below his age; he shot 67 and 66 in the Quad Cities Open at the age of 67. Other notable achievements include victories in the US Masters in 1949, 1952 and 1954, plus the US PGA titles in 1942, 1949 and 1951. Eight times on the Ryder Cup squad, once as non-playing captain, Snead's involvement in golf has been a lengthy one. Two years after retiring from the Tour in 1979, he was actively involved in the creation of the Seniors' Tour.

A consistent competitor, Snead will be remembered for the sheer magnitude of his victories and his swing will continue to be recalled with awe and envy.