1981 - Men (All)
The winners in the category "1981 - Men (All)" are shown in the table below, which also includes relevant information on venues, scores and prize money.
Majors
x
The Masters Tournament (45th) (April 9-12). Second-placed Johnny Miller (USA) and Jack Nicklaus (USA) finished 2 shots behind Watson (USA), who recorded his second Masters win. [Augusta National GC, Augusta, GA].
Majors
R&A
The Open Championship (110th) (July 16-19). Second-placed Bernhard Langer (Ger) finished 4 shots behind Rogers (USA), who recorded his first and only major championship win. [Royal St George's GC, Sandwich, Kent].
Majors
USGA
The US Open (81st) (June 18-21). Second-placed Bill Rogers (USA) and George Burns (USA) finished 3 shots behind Graham (Aus), who recorded the second of his two major championship wins. [East Course, Merion GC, Ardmore, nr Philadelphia, PA].
Majors
PGA of America
The US PGA Championship (63rd) (Aug 6-9). Second-placed Fuzzy Zoeller (USA) finished 4 shots behind first-time major championship winner Nelson (USA). [Highlands course, Atlanta Athletic Club, Johns Creek, Atlanta, GA].
Amateur
R&A
The Amateur Championship (86th). Ploujoux (Fra) beat Joel Hirsch (USA) 4 and 2 in the final. [The Old Course, St Andrews, Fife].
Amateur
USGA
The US Amateur Championship (81st) (Sept 1-6). Nathaniel Crosby (USA) beat Brian Lindley (USA) at the 37th hole in the final. Nathaniel is the son of entertainer Bing Crosby. [Lake course, Olympic Club, nr San Francisco, CA].
Amateur
USGA
Played as the U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship. Defending champion Mudd (USA) beat Billy Tuten (USA) in the final. Tuten went on to win the event in 1982 and 1983. [Masters course, Bear Creek Golf World, Houston, Texas].
America
x
Played as the Bob Hope Desert Classic (Jan 15-18). Second-placed Jerry Pate (USA) finished 2 shots behind Lietzke (USA). [Bermuda Dunes CC, Coachella Valley, CA. Earlier rounds also at: Indian Wells CC; Tamarisk CC; La Quinta CC].
America
x
Played as the Argentine Open (Abierto de la Republica/Argentina). Jack Ferenz (USA) finished in second place behind Fernandez (Arg). [Jockey Club, Buenos Aires].
America
x
Played as the Bay Hill Classic (Feb 26-Mar 1). Second-placed Tom Watson (USA) finished 7 shots behind Bean (USA). [Bay Hill Club, Orlando, FL].
America
x
Played as the Atlanta Classic (June 4-7). Watson (USA) beat Tommy Valentine (USA) with a par at the third playoff hole. [Atlanta CC, Marietta, Georgia].
Played as the B.C. Open (Sept 3-6). Second-placed Tom Kite (USA) finished 3 shots behind Haas (USA). [En-Joie GC, Endicott, NY].
America
WGA
Played as the Western Open (July 2-5). Second-placed Greg Powers (USA), Jim Colbert (USA) and Jim Simons (USA) finished 4 shots behind Ed Fiori (USA), who recorded his second PGA Tour win. [Butler National GC, Oak Brook, IL].
America
x
Played as the Brazil Open (Aberto do Brasil). Second-placed Jaime Gonzalez (Brazil) finished 1 shot behind Sieckmann (USA). [Itanhangá GC, Itanhangá, Rio de Janeiro].
America
Buick
Played as the Buick Open (Aug 20-23). Hale Irwin (USA) beat Bobby Clampett (USA), Gil Morgan (USA) and defending champion Peter Jacobsen (USA) with a birdie at the second playoff hole. [Warwick Hills G&CC, Grand Blanc, Michigan].
America
x
Played as the Canadian Open (July 30-Aug 2). Second-placed Bruce Lietzke (USA), Jack Nicklaus (USA) and Andy North (USA) finished 1 shot behind Peter Oosterhuis (Eng), who recorded his first and only PGA Tour win. [Glen Abbey GC, Oakville, nr Toronto, Ont.].
America
x
Played as the Colonial National Invitation (May 14-17). Second-placed Hale Irwin (USA) finished 4 shots behind Fuzzy Zoeller (USA). [Colonial CC, Ft Worth, TX].
America
x
Played as the Byron Nelson Golf Classic (May 7-10). Lietzke (USA) beat defending champion Tom Watson (USA) with a par at the first playoff hole, to deny Watson his fourth straight win this event. [Preston Trail GC, Dallas, TX].
America
American Motors
Played as the American Motors Inverrary Classic (March 5-8). Second-placed Jack Nicklaus (USA) finished 1 shot behind Kite (USA). [East course, Inverrary CC, Ft Lauderdale, FL].
America
x
Played as the Colombian Open (Abierto de Colombia). Second-placed Luis Arevalo (Colombia) finished a distant 21 shots behind Pate (USA). [Club Los Lagartos, Bogotá, Colombia].
Played as the Doral-Eastern Open (March 12-15). Second-placed Keith Fergus (USA) and David Graham (Aus) finished 1 shot behind defending champion Raymond Floyd (USA). [Blue Monster course, Doral Resort, Miami, FL].
America
Wickes
Played as the Wickes-Andy Williams San Diego Open (Feb 5-8). Lietzke (USA) beat Raymond Floyd (USA) with a birdie at the second playoff hole. Tom Jenkins (USA) was eliminated at the first playoff hole. [South course, Torrey Pines, La Jolla, CA].
America
Glen Campbell
Played as the Glen Campbell Los Angeles Open (Feb 19-22). Second-placed Tom Weiskopf (USA) finished 2 shots behind Miller (USA). [Riviera CC, Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, CA].
America
PGA of America
Played as the PGA Grand Slam of Golf (March 16; unofficial event for the previous year's four Major winners). Second-placed Tom Watson (The Open) finished 3 shots behind Trevino (Tournament Plyrs). Third with 72 was Jack Nicklaus (US Open and US PGA). Fourth with 75 was Seve Ballesteros (The Masters). [Ocean course, The Breakers, Palm Beach, FL; at the time known as Breakers West GC].
America
x
Played as the Greater Milwaukee Open (July 9-12). Second-placed Chi Chi Rodríguez (PR/USA) finished 3 shots behind Jay Haas (USA), who recorded his second PGA Tour win. [Tuckaway CC, Franklin, nr Milwaukee, Wisc.].
America
x
Played as the Hall of Fame Classic (Sept 24-27). Second-placed Jerry Pate (USA) and D.A. Weibring (USA) finished 2 shots behind first-time PGA Tour winner Hatalsky (USA). [No.2 course, Pinehurst Resort, North Carolina].
America
Sea Pines
Played as the Sea Pines Heritage Classic (March 26-29). Second-placed Bruce Devlin (Aus), Craig Stadler (USA), Gil Morgan (USA) and Hale Irwin (USA) finished 1 shot behind Rogers (USA). [Harbour Town Links, Sea Pines Resort, Hilton Head, SC].
America
Michelob
Played as the Michelob Houston Open (Apr 30-May 3). Second-placed Hale Irwin (USA) and Jerry Pate (USA) finished 3 shots behind Ron Streck (USA), who recorded the second of his two PGA Tour wins. Reduced to 54 holes due to bad weather. [The Woodlands CC, nr Houston, TX].
Played as the JCPenney Mixed Team Classic (Dec 3-6; two-person team event; one PGA Tr, one LPGA Tr). Second placed Vance Heafner (USA) & Cathy Morse (USA) finished 2 shots behind winning team of Tom Kite (USA) & Beth Daniel (USA). [Bardmoor CC, Largo, FL].
America
x
Played as the Quad Cities Open (July 16-19). First-time PGA Tour winner Barr (Can) beat Woody Blackburn (USA) with a par at the eighth playoff hole. Frank Conner (USA), Dan Halldorson (Can) and Victor Regalado (Mex) were eliminated at the first playoff hole. [Oakwood CC, Coal Valley, Quad Cities, IL].
America
Kemper Insurance
Played as the Kemper Open (May 28-31). Second-placed Tom Watson (USA) and Tom Weiskopf (USA) finished 6 shots behind Craig Stadler (USA). [Blue course, Congressional CC, Bethesda, Maryland].
America
x
Played as The Memorial Tournament (May 21-24). Second-placed Jack Renner (USA) finished 1 shot behind first-time PGA Tour winner Fergus (USA). [Muirfield Village GC, Dublin, nr Columbus, OH].
America
x
Played as the Mexican Open (Abierto Mexicano de Golf). Ray Floyd (USA) finished in second place behind Crenshaw (USA). [GC Chapultepec, Naucalpan, Mexico City].
America
Anheuser-Busch
Played as the Anheuser-Busch Golf Classic (July 23-26; first time played at Kingsmill Resort in Virginia, after moving from Silverado Resort in California). Second-placed Andy North (USA) finished 2 shots behind John Mahaffey (USA). [River course, Kingsmill Resort, Williamsburg, VA].
America
x
Played as the Pleasant Valley Jimmy Fund Classic (Sept 10-13). Second-placed Scott Simpson (USA) finished 2 shots behind Jack Renner (USA), who claimed his second PGA Tour win. [Pleasant Valley CC, Sutton, MA].
America
USF&G
Played as the USF&G New Orleans Open (April 23-26). Second-placed Bruce Fleisher (USA) finished 2 shots behind defending champion Tom Watson (USA). [Lakewood GC, New Orleans, LA].
Played as the Panama Open. Won by Strange (USA). Tournament reduced to 54 holes.
America
Bing Crosby
Played as the Bing Crosby National Pro-Am (Jan 29-Feb 1). First-time PGA Tour winner Cook (USA) beat Hale Irwin (USA) with a par at the third playoff hole. Barney Thompson (USA), Bobby Clampett (USA) and Ben Crenshaw (USA) were eliminated at the first playoff hole. Event reduced to 54 holes due to bad weather. [Pebble Beach Links, Monterey Peninsula, CA. Earlier rounds also at: Cypress Point Club and Spyglass Hill GC].
America
x
Played as the Pensacola Open (Oct 15-18). Second-placed Steve Melnyk (USA) finished 3 shots behind Pate (USA). [Perdido Bay GC, Pensacola, FL].
America
x
Played as the Phoenix Open (Jan 22-25). Second-placed Lon Hinkle (USA) finished 1 shot behind Graham (Aus). [Phoenix CC, Phoenix, AZ].
America
x
Played as the Tournament Players Championship (March 19-22). Floyd (USA) beat Barry Jaeckel (USA) and Curtis Strange (USA) with a par at the first playoff hole, to record back-to-back wins on the PGA Tour. [Sawgrass CC, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. Played on the Oceanside course, a combination of the East & West nines].
America
x
Played as the Magnolia Classic (April 8-12; unofficial PGA Tour "satellite" event). Jones (USA) beat Mike Smith (USA) with a par at the second playoff hole. [Hattiesburg CC, Hattiesburg, MS].
America
MONY
Played as the MONY Tournament of Champions (April 16-19). Second-placed Raymond Floyd (USA) finished 2 shots behind Trevino (USA). [North course, La Costa Resort, Carlsbad, Calif. Now known as Champions course].
America
x
Played as the Hawaiian Open (Feb 12-15). Second-placed Don January (USA) finished 6 shots behind Hale Irwin (USA). [Waialae CC, Honolulu, Hawaii].
America
x
Played as the Southern Open (Oct 8-11). Jesse Carlyle "J.C." Snead (USA) beat defending champion Mike Sullivan (USA) with a par at the second playoff hole (par-3 2nd). [Green Island CC, Columbus, Georgia].
America
LaJet
Played as the inaugural LaJet Classic (Sept 17-20). Second-placed Gil Morgan (USA) finished 2 shots behind Weiskopf (USA), who recorded his fifteenth PGA Tour win. [Fairway Oaks CC, Abilene, TX. Now known as the Fairway course, Abilene CC].
America
Manufactures Hanover
Played as the Manufactures Hanover Westchester Classic (June 11-14). Second-placed Bobby Clampett (USA), Gibby Gilbert (USA) and Craig Stadler (USA) finished 2 shots behind Floyd (USA), who recorded his 15th PGA Tour win. [West course, Westchester CC, Rye, NY].
America
Danny Thomas
Played as the Danny Thomas Memphis Classic (June 25-28). Second-placed Tom Kite (USA) and Bruce Lietzke (USA) finished 2 shots behind Pate (USA). [South course, Colonial CC, Cordova, nr Memphis, TN].
America
x
Played as the Tallahassee Open (April 16-19). Eichelberger (USA) beat Bob Murphy (USA) and Mark O'Meara (USA) with a birdie at the first playoff hole, to land the last of his four PGA Tour wins. [Killearn CC, Tallahassee, FL].
America
x
Played as the Texas Open (Oct 1-4). Bill Rogers (USA) beat Ben Crenshaw (USA) with a birdie at the first playoff hole, to record his fifth PGA Tour win. Rogers shot a final round 63 (-7) to tie with Crenshaw, who shot a final round 64. [Oak Hills CC, San Antonio, TX].
America
Sammy Davis, Jr.
Played as the Sammy Davis Jr. Greater Hartford Open (Aug 13-16). Second-placed Fred Couples (USA), Bobby Clampett (USA) and Roger Maltbie (USA) finished 1 shot behind Hubert Green (USA). [Wethersfield CC, nr Hartford, CT].
America
Joe Garagiola
Played as the Joe Garagiola Tucson Open (Jan 8-11). Second-placed Lon Hinkle (USA) finished 2 shots behind Johnny Miller (USA), who claimed the last of his four wins in this event, and 20th overall PGA Tour win. [North course, Randolph GC, Tucson, AZ].
America
Disney World
Played as the Walt Disney World National Team Championship (Oct 22-25; two-man team event). Second-placed Chip Beck (USA) & Rex Caldwell (USA) finished 5 shots behind Vance Heafner (USA) & Mike Holland (USA). This was a first (and only) PGA Tour win for both 27-year-old Heafner and 25-year-old Holland. [Magnolia course, Walt Disney World, Orlando, FL. Earlier rounds also played on the Palm course].
America
Disney World
Played as the Walt Disney World National Team Championship (Oct 22-25; two-man team event). Second-placed Chip Beck (USA) & Rex Caldwell (USA) finished 5 shots behind Vance Heafner (USA) & Mike Holland (USA). This was a first (and only) PGA Tour win for both 27-year-old Heafner and 25-year-old Holland. [Magnolia course, Walt Disney World, Orlando, FL. Earlier rounds also played on the Palm course].
America
x
World Cup of Golf not played in 1981.
America
x
Played as the World Series of Golf (Aug 27-30). Second-placed Tom Kite (USA) finished 1 shot behind Bill Rogers (USA). [South course, Firestone CC, Akron, Ohio].
America
x
Played as the Greater Greensboro Open (April 2-5). Nelson (USA) beat Mark Hayes (USA) with a birdie at the second playoff hole. [Forest Oaks CC, Greensboro, NC].
Europe
Benson & Hedges
Played as the Benson & Hedges International Open (Aug 20-23). Second-placed Eamonn Darcy (Ire) and Bernhard Langer (Ger) finished 1 shot behind Weiskopf (USA), who recorded the second of his two European Tour wins. [Fulford GC, York, North Yorkshire].
Europe
Sun Alliance
Played as the Sun Alliance PGA Championship (May 22-25). Second-placed Ken Brown (Scot) finished 4 shots behind defending champion Faldo (Eng). This was Faldo's third PGA Championship title, and the third time Brown finished second to him in this event. [Ganton GC, nr Scarborough, North Yorkshire].
Europe
Dunlop
Played as the Dunlop Masters (May 28-31). Second-placed Graham Marsh (Aus) finished 4 shots behind Norman (Aus). [Duke's course, Woburn GC, nr Milton Keynes, Bucks].
Europe
Bob Hope
Played as the Bob Hope British Classic (Sept 24-27). Second-placed Peter Oosterhuis (Eng) finished 5 shots behind Langer (Ger). Tournament reduced to 54 holes due to bad weather. [Combination of holes from High & West courses, Moor Park GC, Rickmansworth, Herts].
Europe
x
Played as the Cannes Invitational (not on European Tour schedule). Won by Gery Watine (Fra). [Cannes Mougins GCC, Mougins, nr Cannes, France].
Europe
KLM
Played as the KLM Dutch Open (July 23-26). Second-placed Raymond Floyd (USA) and Nick Price (Zim) finished 1 shot behind Henning (RSA), who recorded his first official European Tour win (having won many times in Europe prior to the formation of the offical Tour in 1972). [Koninklijke (Royal) Haagsche G&CC, Wassenaar, nr The Hague].
Europe
State Express
Played as the State Express English Classic (July 8-11). Second-placed Greg Norman (Aus) finished 2 shots behind 30-year-old Rodger Davis (Aus), who recorded the first of his seven European Tour wins. [Brabazon course, The Belfry, Wishaw, nr Birmingham].
Europe
x
Played as the Swiss Open. Pinero (Esp) beat Antonio Garrido (Esp) and Tony Johnstone (Zim) with a birdie at the first playoff hole. [GC Crans-sur-Sierre, Crans-Montana, Switzerland].
Europe
Dixcel Tissues
Played as the Dixcel Tissues European Open (Sept 3-6). Second-placed Seve Ballesteros (Esp) finished 2 shots behind Marsh (Aus). [Royal Liverpool GC, Hoylake, Wirral, Merseyside].
Europe
Paco Rabanne
Played as the Paco Rabanne Open de France. Second-placed Bernhard Langer (Ger) finished 4 shots behind Lyle (Scot). [Saint Germain GC, Saint-Germain-en-Laye, nr Paris].
Europe
x
Played as the German Open (July 30-Aug 2). Second-placed Tony Jacklin (Eng) finished 1 shot behind Langer (Ger), who recorded the first of his five German Open wins. He became the first German golfer to win this event since its inception in 1911. [Hamburg GC-Falkenstein, Blankenese, nr Hamburg].
Europe
Cold Shield
Played as the Cold Shield Greater Manchester Open (June 11-14). Second-placed Nick Faldo (Eng) finished 5 shots behind Gallacher (Scot). [Wilmslow GC, Mobberley, Knutsford, Cheshire].
Europe
x
Played as the Hassan II Trophy (unofficial limited-field event). Bob Byman (USA) finished in second place behind Eastwood (USA). [Red course, Royal Golf Dar Es Salam, Rabat, Morocco].
Europe
Carroll & Co.
Played as Carroll's Irish Open. Second-placed Nick Faldo (Eng) finished 5 shots behind Torrance (Scot). [Portmarnock GC, nr Dublin, Ireland].
Europe
x
Played as the Italian Open. Canizares (Esp) beat Bobby Clampett (USA) with a par at the first playoff hole. [Milano GC, Villasanta, Monza, nr Milan].
Europe
Butlins
Played as the Billy Butlin Jersey Open (June 18-21). Second-placed Bernhard Langer (Ger) finished 1 shot behind Jacklin (Eng). [La Moye GC, St Brelade, Jersey, Channel Islands].
Europe
Johnnie Walker
Played as the Johnnie Walker Trophy (Oct 22-25; post-season limited field unofficial money event). Second-placed Manuel Piñero (Esp) finished 9 shots behind Jacobsen (USA), who recorded a final round six-under-par 66 for his first win in Europe. [No.1 course, Golf La Moraleja, Alcobendas, nr Madrid; now called Real (Royal) La Moraleja].
Europe
Lawrence Batley
Played as the inaugural Lawrence Batley International (June 4-7). Second-placed Nick Faldo (Eng) finished 2 shots behind Lyle (Scot) ... the only two players to finish the tournament under par. [Bingley St Ives GC, Bingley, W Yorks].
Europe
x
Played as the Madrid Open. Second-placed Des Smyth (Ire) finished 5 shots behind Pinero (Esp). [Real (Royal) Club de la Puerta de Hierro, Madrid].
Europe
Martini
Played as the Martini International (May 14-17). Second-placed Bernhard Langer (Ger) finished 1 shot behind Norman (Aus), who recorded his fifth European Tour win, and third win in this event in five years. [West course, Wentworth Club, Virginia Water, Surrey].
Europe
x
Portuguese Open not played in 1981.
Europe
Scandinavian Enterprise
Played as the Scandinavian Enterprise Open (July 2-5). Second-placed Antonio Garrido (Esp) finished shots behind Ballesteros (Esp). [Linköping GC, Östergötland, Sweden].
Europe
Benson & Hedges
Played as the Benson & Hedges Spanish Open. Second-placed Steve Martin (Scot) finished 1 shot behind Ballesteros (Esp). This was the first of Ballesteros' three Spanish Open wins. [Real (Royal) GC El Prat, El Prat de Llobregat, nr Barcelona Airport. Club now located in Terrassa, nr Barcelona].
Europe
Haig Whisky
Played as the Haig Whisky TPC (Sept 10-13). Barnes (Scot) beat Brian Waites (Eng) with a par at the fourth playoff hole, to record the last of his nine European Tour wins. [East course, Dalmahoy Hotel & CC, nr Edinburgh].
Europe
Lancome
Played as the Trophee Lancome. Won by David Graham (Aus). [Golf de Saint-Nom-La-Bretèche, nr Paris, France].
Europe
Coral
Played as the Coral Classic (June 25-28). Second-placed Michael King (Eng), Bernhard Langer (Ger) and John O'Leary (Ire) finished 2 shots behind Smyth (Ire). [Royal Porthcawl GC, Mid Glamorgan, S Wales].
Europe
Suntory
Played as the Suntory World Match Play Championship (Oct 8-11). Ballesteros (Esp) beat Ben Crenshaw (USA) by 1 hole in the 36-hole final. [West course, Wentworth Club, Virginia Water, Surrey].
Asia
x
Played as the Hong Kong Open. Second-placed Graham Marsh (Aus) finished 1 shot behind Chen (Taiw). [Hong Kong GC, Fanling; composite of 10 holes from Eden course, 8 from the New; at the time known as Royal Hong Kong GC].
Asia
x
Played as the Indian Open. Second-placed Hsu Sheng-san (Taiw) and Ho Ming Chung (Taiw) finished 4 shots behind Stewart (USA). [Delhi GC, New Delhi, India].
Asia
x
Played as the Indonesian Open (April 2-5; Asian circuit event). Stewart (USA) beat Sukree Onsham (Thai), Chi-san Hsu (Taiw) and Tze-chung "T.C." Chen (Taiw) with a birdie at the first playoff hole. [Pondok Indah GC, South Jakarta, Indonesia].
Asia
KPGA
Played as the Korea Open (April 16-19; Asian circuit event). Second-placed Chi-san Hsu (Taiw) finished 1 shot behind defending champion Chen (Taiw). [Gurakbu course, Seoul CC, Neung-dong, Seoul; this course/club no longer exists].
Asia
KPGA
Played as the KPGA Championship (Sept 10-13; Korean Tr event). Hak-seo Kim (S Kor) and Young-il Kang (S Kor) finished in second place behind Jung-woong Park (S Kor). [Blue One Yongin CC, Yongin, Gyeonggi, S Korea; formerly known as Taeyeong CC].
Asia
x
Played as the Malaysian Open. Second-placed Ho Ming Chung (Taiw) finished 1 shot behind Lu (Taiw). [Old course, Royal Selangor GC, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia].
Asia
x
Played as the Philippine Open (Asian circuit season opener). Second-placed and defending champion Hsi-chuen Lu (Taiw) finished 4 shots behind Sieckmann (USA). [East course, Wack Wack G&CC, Mandaluyong, Manila, Philippines].
Asia
Rolex
Played as the Rolex Masters (Asian circuit event). Skeeter Heath (USA) finished 3 shots behind Hsu (Taiw). [Bukit course, Singapore Island CC, Singapore].
Asia
x
Played as the inaugural Donghae Open (Sept 10-13; Korean Tr event). Won by 42-year-old Chang-sang Hahn (S Kor). [Namseoul CC, Seongnam, Gyeonggi, S Korea].
Asia
x
Played as the Singapore Open. Second-place Hsi-chuen Lu (Taiw) finished 2 shots behind Aye (Burma). [Bukit course, Singapore Island CC, Singapore].
Asia
x
Played as the Republic of China Open. Second-placed Hsi-chuen Lu (Taiw) finished 3 shots behind Ho (Taiw).
Asia
x
Played as the Thailand Open. Won by Sieckmann (USA) by 3 shots.
Japan
x
Played as the United States-Japan Professional Golf Match (Nov 5-8; Japan Tr event; individual low score winner). Second-placed Akira Yabe (Jpn) finished 7 shots behind Clampett (USA), who recorded his first and only Japan Tour win. [Sports Shinko CC, Kawanishi, Hyogo, Japan].
Japan
x
Played as the Aso National Park Open (Japan Tr event). Won by Fujiki (Jpn). Reduced to 54 holes due to bad weather. [Aso GC, Aso, Kumamoto].
Japan
Bridgestone
Played as the Bridgestone Tournament (Oct 22-25; Japan Tr event). Second-placed Bill Rogers (USA) finished 8 shots behind Irwin (USA), who recorded his first and only Japan Tour win. [Sodegaura course, Sodegaura CC, Chiba, Jpn].
Japan
Casio
Played as the inaugural Casio World Open (Nov 26-29; Japan Tr event). Second-placed Isao Aoki (Jpn) finished 4 shots behind Trevino (USA), who recorded his first and only win in Japan. Trevino's first prize equated to US$50,000. [Kaimon course, Ibusuki GC, Ibusuki, Kagoshima, Japan].
Japan
Dunlop
Played as the Dunlop Phoenix Tournament (Nov 19-22; Japan Tr event). Second-placed Tsuneyuki "Tommy" Nakajima (Jpn) finished 3 shots behind Ballesteros (Esp), whose first prize equated to US$63,636. [Phoenix CC, Miyazaki, Japan].
Japan
JGA
Played as the Japan Open (Oct 29-Nov 1; Japanese major ch'ship). Second-placed Tsuneyuki "Tommy" Nakajima (Jpn) and Kenji Mori (Jpn) finished 1 shot behind Hagawa (Jpn). The 23-year-old "leftie" recorded his first Japan Tour win after two years as a professional. [East course, Nihon Line GC, Kani, Gifu, Jpn].
Japan
PGA of Japan
Played as the Japan PGA Championship (July 30-Aug 2; Japanese major ch'ship). Second-placed Toru Nakamura (Jpn) finished 4 shots behind Aoki (Jpn). [Sapporo Korakuen CC, Nibetsu, Kitahiroshima, Hokkaido, Jpn].
Japan
x
Played as the Golf Nippon Series (Dec 5/6; Japanese major ch'ship and season-ending event). Hagawa (Jpn) beat Isao Aoki (Jpn) in a playoff. Reduced to 36 holes due to bad weather. [Co-hosted by Yomiuri CC, Nishinomiya, Hyogo and Tokyo Yomiuri CC, Inagi, nr Tokyo].
Japan
x
Played as the Taiheiyo Masters (Nov 12-15; Japan Tr event). Second-placed Tom Watson (USA) and Jerry Pate (USA) finished 3 shots behind Edwards (USA), who recorded his first and only Japan Tour win. [Gotemba course, Taiheiyo Club, Gotemba, Shizuoka, Jpn].
Japan
x
Played as the Chunichi Crowns - International Invitation Golf (Apr 30-May 3; Japan Tr event). Second-placed D.A. Weibring (USA) finished 2 shots behind Marsh (Aus), who won this event for the second time. [Wago course, Nagoya GC, Aichi, Japan].
Japan
Pepsi / Wilson
Played as the Pepsi-Wilson Tournament (May 18-21). Won by Marsh (Aus). [Mannennike West course, Ube 72 CC, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan].
Aus/NZ
Air NZ/Shell
Played as the Air New Zealand Shell Open (Dec 3-6). Second-placed Graham Marsh (Aus) finished 8 shots behind Shearer (Aus). [Titirangi GC, New Lynn, Auckland, NZ].
Aus/NZ
x
Played as the Australian Masters. Terry Gale (Aus) and N. Suzuki (Jpn) finished in second place behind Norman (Aus).
Aus/NZ
x
Played as the Australian Open (Nov 19-22). Second-placed and defending champion Greg Norman (Aus) finished 1 shot behind 30-year-old Rogers (USA). [Victoria GC, Melbourne, Aus].
Aus/NZ
Mayne Nickless
Played as the Mayne Nickless Australian PGA Ch'ship. Bill Dunk (Aus) finished in second place behind Ballesteros (Esp).
Aus/NZ
x
Played as the New Zealand Open (Dec 10-13). Second-placed Terry Gale (Aus) finished 3 shots behind Shearer (Aus), who recorded his second Australia Tour win in as many weeks, and his second win in this event in four years. [Wellington GC, Heretaunga, Upper Hutt, nr Wellington, NZ; from 2004 Royal Wellington GC].
Aus/NZ
x
Played as the New Zealand PGA Championship (Jan 1-4; first of two NZ PGA Championships played in 1981). Brian Jones (Aus) beat John Lister (NZ) with an 18-foot birdie putt at the fourth playoff hole. Dennis Clark (NZ) was eliminated at the second playoff hole. [Tauranga GC, Gate Pa, Tauranga, NZ].
Aus/NZ
x
Played as the New Zealand PGA Championship (Nov 26-29; second of two NZ PGA Championships played in 1981). Terry Gale (Aus) beat Bob Charles (NZ) at the first playoff hole (par-4 16th). Both players had holes-in-one in the third round. [Tauranga GC, Gate Pa, Tauranga, NZ].
Africa
B&H
Played as the Benson & Hedges Kenya Open. Won by Barnes (Scot). [Muthaiga GC, Nairobi, Kenya].
Africa
Nedbank
The inaugural Sun City Golf Challenge (Dec 31, 1981-Jan 3, 1982; unofficial event; limited field of five top tour professionals). Miller (USA) beat Seve Balleteros (Esp) with a par at the ninth playoff hole (par-4 18th), to collect the then richest ever prize in golf. [Gary Player CC, Sun City Resort, North West Prov, South Africa].
Africa
SAB
Played as the SAB South African Masters. Won by Price (Zim). [Milnerton GC, nr Cape Town, Western Cape, RSA].
Africa
Datsun
Played as the Datsun South African Open. Player (RSA) beat John Bland (RSA) at the third hole of a sudden-death playoff. This followed an 18-hole playoff in which Player and Bland scored 70 and Warren Humpreys (Eng) scored 72. This was the last of 13 South African Open wins for Player. [Royal Johannesburg & Kensington GC, Jo'burg, RSA].
Africa
x
South African PGA Championship not played in 1981.
Awards
Eurpn Tr
Ballesteros (Esp) recorded the season's lowest stroke average on the European Tour. Bernhard Langer (Ger) was second with 70.56; Greg Norman (Aus) was third with 70.57.
Awards
PGA of America
Kite (USA) won the PGA of America Vardon Trophy, recording the season's lowest scoring average on the PGA Tour (over a minimum of 80 rounds). Bruce Lietzke (USA) was second with 70.01; Raymond Floyd (USA) was third with 70.20.
Kite (USA) won the PGA Tour Byron Nelson Award, recording the season's lowest scoring average (over a minimum of 50 rounds). Bruce Lietzke (USA) was second with 70.01; Raymond Floyd (USA) was third with 70.20.
Awards
Japan Tr
Isao Aoki (Jpn) won his fifth (and fourth straight) Japan Golf Tour Money List, with 1981 season earnings of Yn57,262,941 from Japan Tour events and golf's four top majors (Masters, Open, US Open, US PGA).
Awards
PGA Tour
Kite (USA) won the inaugural Arnold Palmer Award as the PGA Tour leading money winner, with 1981 season earnings of $375,699 on the Tour. Raymond Floyd (USA) was second with $359,360; Tom Watson (USA) was third with $347,660.
Awards
Asia Circuit
Lu (Taiw) won the Asia Golf Circuit Order of Merit for the third straight year, accumulating 712.5 pts from Asia's top professional events. Ming-chung Ho (Taiw) was second with 697 pts; Payne Stewart (USA) was third with 690 pts.
Awards
Aus/NZ Tr
Shearer (Aus) won his third Australia/NZ Tour Order of Merit.
Awards
Eurpn Tr
Langer (Ger) won the Harry Vardon Trophy as the European Tour 1981 Order of Merit winner. Using a season-long points system, Langer accumulated 81,036 pts; Nick Faldo (Eng) was second with 48,109 pts; Sandy Lyle (Scot) was third with 44,731 pts. Langer also topped the Tour's 1981 Prize Money List with £95,990; Seve Ballesteros (Esp) was second with £65,927; Faldo was third with £55,105.
1981/82 South Africa Tour Order of Merit. Won for the second straight time by McNulty (Zim).
Awards
PGA of America
Rogers (USA) won the PGA of America Player of the Year Award (based on points allocated for PGA Tour wins, money-list position and scoring average).
Awards
Eurpn Tr
Bennett (Eng) won the European Tour 1981 Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year Award as the leading first-season player. Bennett finished 82nd on the Tour's (points-based) Order of Merit; he won £3,517 in prize money during the season.
Chevron Championship: Carlton Woods near Houston in Texas provides the stage for the first women’s major championship of 2025, where Nelly Korda defends her title. (April 24-27).
Soudal Open: successor to the Belgian Open, the Soudal Open takes place on the quiet, wooded North course of Rinkven Golfclub. Belgian stars Thomas Pieters and Nicolas Colsaerts will be vying for top honours. (May 22-25).
Rory McIlroy: with his 2025 win in The Masters, Rory joined the pantheon of golfing greats who have achieved a career Grand Slam of men’s majors ... Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods are the only others in this select band.
Bernhard Langer: he may have played in his last Masters Tournament, but the 67-year-old German will be trying to extend his own record, and win a 13th senior major title at the 36th Regions Tradition. (May 15-18).
Marco Simone Golf & Country Club: With a clubhouse that might befit a Roman Emperor, and a golf course to match, you can be sure of a memorable outing at Rome's most talked about golf facility.
Jim Fazio's original layout was much changed to create a modern Ryder Cup course ... now one of the Eternal City's (and Italy's) most revered.
Here at Prince’s Golf Club you'll find 27 excellent holes of links golf. Just over the fence and sharing similar terrain is Royal St George’s; but Prince’s is far from overshadowed by its venerable neighbour. The three nine-hole loops at Prince's, laid out over gently undulating terrain, are sure to bring a smile of satisfaction to all lovers of links golf.
Stay&Play at Prince's: excellent onsite Lodge accommodation available
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