Leo Diegel
Name:
Leo Harvey DiegelAlso known as:
The DiegCountry:
USALived:
[1899-1951]. Born on April 20, 1899 in Gratiot Township, Wayne County, Michigan. Died on May 5, 1951 in North Hollywood, California, aged 52.Original/Home Club:
Philmont CC, PA (Head Pro).Occupation:
Professional golfer and teaching professional.Turned Pro:
1916MAJORS (2): US PGA Champion (1928, '29). Total professional wins (37), including PGA Tour (30). Ryder Cup player (1927, '29, '31, '33). World Golf Hall of Fame (inducted in 2003).
Diegel's first introduction to golf was as a caddie when he was aged 10. Seven years later he won the Michigan Open in 1916, and four years after that in 1920 he was runner-up to Ted Ray in the U.S. Open Championship.
Winner of two U.S. PGA Championships and a total of 30 PGA circuit events, Diegel was known for his excellent ball-striking, but inconsistent putting skills. Following a playful wrestling accident with his friend "Lighthorse" Harry Cooper in 1934, Diegel was left with damaged nerves in his right shoulder. The injury eventually forced him to quit professional tournament golf in favour of becoming a teaching professional.
America
x
Played as the Canadian Open (July 25-27). Second-placed Tommy Armour (Scot/USA) finished 3 shots behind defending champion Leo Diegel (USA), who won this title for the fourth time. [Kanawaki GC, Kahnawake, Québec].
America
x
Played as the San Diego Open (Jan 3-6; next played in 1952). Second-placed Horton Smith (USA) finished 1 shot behind defending champion Diegel (USA). [San Diego CC, Chula Vista, CA].
Majors
PGA of America
The US PGA Championship (12th) (Dec 2-7). Defending champion Diegel (USA) beat Johnny Farrell (USA) 6 and 4 in the 36-hole final. [Hillcrest CC, Los Angeles, CA].
Majors
PGA of America
The US PGA Championship (11th) (Oct 1-6). Diegel (USA) beat Al Espinosa (USA) 6 and 5 in the 36-hole final. [East course, Baltimore CC, Lutherville, Maryland].
America
x
Played as the Canadian Open (July 26-28). Second-placed Macdonald "Mac" Smith (Scot/USA), Walter Hagen (USA) and Archie Compston (Eng) finished 2 shots behind Leo Diegel (USA), who recorded the third of his four wins in this event. [Rosedale GC, Toronto, Ont.].
America
x
Played as the San Diego Open (Dec 16-18). Second-placed Bobby Cruickshank (Scot) and Horton Smith (USA) finished 2 shots behind Diegel (USA). [San Diego CC, Chula Vista, CA].
America
x
Played as the Canadian Open (July 30-Aug 1). Second-placed Mike Brady (USA) finished 2 shots behind wire-to-wire winner and defending champion Leo Diegel (USA). [Lambton G&CC, Toronto, Ont.].
America
x
Played as the Canadian Open (Aug 1/2). Second-placed Gene Sarazen (USA) finished 2 shots behind Leo Diegel (USA). [Mount Bruno CC, Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, nr Montreal, Quebec].
America
PGA of America
Played as the Shawnee Open (July 14/15). Leo Diegel (USA) beat Willie Macfarlane (Scot) in an 18-hole playoff (Diegel 69, Macfarlane 75). The playoff was held on the same day as the final 36 holes of regulation play. [Shawnee CC & Inn, Shawnee on Delaware, Pennsylvania; at the time the Inn was known as the Buckwood Inn].
Sony Open in Hawaii: played at Waialae Country Club near Honolulu, the Sony Open takes over the spotlight from The Sentry as the PGA Tour’s calendar-year opening event (Jan 15-18). The Sentry (not being played in 2026) was formerly known as the Tournament of Champions, with a field typically restricted to golfers who won a PGA Tour event in the previous calendar year.
Dubai Desert Classic: the DP World Tour’s first Rolex Series event of 2026, is contested for the 37th time (Jan 22-25). First won by Englishman Mark James in 1989, it now boasts a four-time winner, Rory McIlroy. Played on the Emirates Golf Club’s Majlis course, this once desert-surrounded course is the long-time flagship for Golf in Dubai.
Our visit last month included two rounds at Golf de Chantilly, one of France’s most prestigious clubs.
It offers two superb layouts: Le Vineuil, a five-star championship course with a rich history, and Longères, an excellent four-star course that provides a strong and enjoyable test.
The wider Paris region offers plenty more. Courses such as Fontainebleau, Golf de Saint-Germain, and several other top-rated layouts make this area one of Europe’s most rewarding golf destinations, offering a mix of woodland, heathland, and parkland designs.
The Dutch: "It's no' just a game", as they say in Scotland, and that's certainly true at The Dutch. With 5-star services throughout, a lavishly comfortable Loch Lomond-inspired clubhouse, and a superbly designed and presented golf course, one could not ask for more from this top-end private club.
Join us at The Dutch from August 21–24 for the Festival of Golf, featuring the HotelPlanner Tour. Experience four days of top-tier sport, live music, incredible food, and unexpected surprises. Explore the grounds, connect with others, embrace new challenges, and dive into an unforgettable celebration. Click here to buy tickets.
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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