Who's who: Sam Snead

  • Torrey Pines - South course, host of the Farmers Insurance Open
  • Prince's GC, England
  • Torrey Pines - South course, host of the Farmers Insurance Open
  • Terras da Comporta, Dunas
  • Monte Rei G&CC
  • Marco Simone GC (Italy); host of the Ryder Cup 2023
  • Pebble Beach host of the US Open; US Women's Open; Pebble Beach Pro-Am
  • Marco Simone GC

Who's who: Sam Snead

  • Name:

    Samuel Jackson "Sam" Snead
  • Country:

    USA
  • Lived:

    [1912-2002]. Born on May 27, 1912 in Ashwood, Virginia; Died on May 23, 2002 in Hot Springs, Virginia (aged 89).
  • Original/Home Club:

    The Homestead, VA.
  • Occupation:

    Professional golfer, golf writer.
  • Turned Pro:

    1934

Roll of Honour

MAJORS (7): The Open (1946); Masters Tournament (1949, '52, '54); US PGA Ch'ship (1942, '49, '51). Senior MAJORS (6): Snr PGA Ch'ship (1964, '65, '67, '70, '72, '73). Ryder Cup player (1937, '47, '49, '51, '53, '55, '59); Ryder Cup captain (1951, '59, '69). Total professional wins (165), including PGA Tour (82). PGA Tour leading money winner (1938, '49, '50). World Golf Hall of Fame (inducted in 1974).

Did you know?

"Slammin' Sam" Snead is one of golf's greatest players. During his professional career he recorded 165 wins, including 82 PGA Tour titles (from 1936-65), and seven major championships. He never won the U.S. Open (he came second four times) and therefore did not record a career slam, as his contemporary Ben Hogan had done (Hogan was also born in 1912).

Snead became the oldest player to win on the PGA Tour, at age 52 he recorded the last of his 82 PGA Tour wins in the Greater Greensboro Open. No other golfer has more PGA Tour wins to his name, although Tiger Woods is close with 79. Jack Nicklaus (third highest) finished his career with 73. Snead became the only man ever to win an official LPGA Tour event, the Royal Poinciana Plaza Invitational (1962).

From 1956 until 1969 Snead combined his tournament play on the PGA Tour with the position of golf professional at the Boca Raton Club in Florida, having succeeded another golfing legend, Tommy Armour, in that post. Snead wrote several golf instruction books, and was always said to possess the "perfect swing."

Top tournaments won by Sam Snead

1982
America
Onion Creek
183 (-27)
$50,000
Liberty Mutual

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Onion Creek

Score

183 (-27)

Prize money

$50,000

Title sponsor

Liberty Mutual

Played as the Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf (unofficial two-man better-ball team event). Second-placed Sei-ha Chin (Taiw) & Bob Toski (USA), Gene Littler (USA) & Bob Rosburg (USA) and Roberto De Vicenzo (Arg) & Bob Goalby (USA) finished 8 shots behind Sam Snead (USA) & Don January (USA). Reduced to 54 holes due to bad weather. [Onion Creek Club, Austin, Texas].

1980
America
$20,000
Golf Digest

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Score

Prize money

$20,000

Title sponsor

Golf Digest

Played as the inaugural Golf Digest Commemorative Pro-Am (unofficial US Snr Tr event). Second-placed Bob Goalby (USA) finished 1 shot behind 68-year-old Snead (USA), who shot a 67 in the final round. [Newport CC, Newport, Rhode Island].

1978
America
Onion Creek
193 (-17)
$50,000
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Onion Creek

Score

193 (-17)

Prize money

$50,000

Title sponsor

x

The inaugural Legends of Golf tournament (two-man team better-ball event, which effectively launched the US Seniors' Tour). Second-placed Peter Thomson (Aus) & Kel Nagle (Aus) finished 1 shot behind Sam Snead (USA) & Gardner Dickinson (USA). [Onion Creek Club, Austin, Texas].

1973
America
BallenIsles CC
268 (-20)
$6,000
PGA of America

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

BallenIsles CC

Score

268 (-20)

Prize money

$6,000

Title sponsor

PGA of America

Played as the PGA Seniors' Championship. Second-placed Julius Boros (Arg) finished 15 shots behind defending champion Snead (USA). [East Course, BallenIsles CC, Palm Beach Gdns, FL. at the time known as Champions course, PGA National GC].

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Score

41st hole

Prize money

Title sponsor

x

Played as the World Professional Senior's Golf Championship (Sept 10; 36-hole match between the US and British PGA Senior Champions). Defending champion Snead (USA) beat Kel Nagle (Aus) with a birdie at the 41st hole. [Bide-a-Wee GC, Portsmouth, Virginia].

Category

Europe

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Score

3 & 2

Prize money

Title sponsor

x

Played as the World Professional Senior's Golf Championship (June 24; 36-hole match between the US and British PGA Senior Champions). Snead (USA) beat Ken Bousfield (Eng) 3 and 2. [Longniddry GC, East Lothian].

1972
America
BallenIsles CC
286 (-2)
$6,000
PGA of America

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

BallenIsles CC

Score

286 (-2)

Prize money

$6,000

Title sponsor

PGA of America

Played as the PGA Seniors' Championship. Second-placed Julius Boros (USA) and Tommy Bolt (USA) finished 1 shot behind Snead (USA). [East Course, BallenIsles CC, Palm Beach Gdns, FL. at the time known as Champions course, PGA National GC].

1970
America
BallenIsles CC
290 (+2)
$6,000
PGA of America

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

BallenIsles CC

Score

290 (+2)

Prize money

$6,000

Title sponsor

PGA of America

Played as the PGA Seniors' Championship. Second-placed Freddie Haas (USA) finished 2 shots behind Snead (USA). [East Course, BallenIsles CC, Palm Beach Gdns, FL. at the time known as Champions course, PGA National GC].

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Score

3 & 2

Prize money

Title sponsor

x

Played as the World Professional Senior's Golf Championship (Sept 13; 36-hole match between the US and British PGA Senior Champions). Snead (USA) beat Max Faulkner (Eng) 3 and 2. [Bide-a-Wee GC, Portsmouth, Virginia].

1967
America
BallenIsles CC
279 (-9)
PGA of America

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

BallenIsles CC

Score

279 (-9)

Prize money

Title sponsor

PGA of America

Played as the PGA Seniors' Championship. Second-placed Bob Hamilton (USA) finished 9 shots behind Snead (USA). [East Course, BallenIsles CC, Palm Beach Gdns, FL. at the time known as Champions course, PGA National GC].

1965
Europe
37th hole
£500
Teacher's

Category

Europe

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Formby

Score

37th hole

Prize money

£500

Title sponsor

Teacher's

Played as the Teacher International Senior Golf Championship (July 4; 36-hole match between the US and British PGA Senior Champions; for the unofficial title of world senior professional champion). Defending champion Snead (USA) beat Charlie Ward (Eng) at the 37th hole. [Formby GC, Formby, Merseyside].

1965
America
Ft Lauderdale CC
278 (-10)
PGA of America

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Ft Lauderdale CC

Score

278 (-10)

Prize money

Title sponsor

PGA of America

Played as the PGA Seniors' Championship. Second-placed Joe Lopez Sr (USA) finished 4 shots behind defending champion Snead (USA). [Ft Lauderdale CC, Ft Lauderdale, FL].

1965
America
273 (-11)
$11,000
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Score

273 (-11)

Prize money

$11,000

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Greater Greensboro Open (April 1-4). Second-placed Billy Casper (USA), Phil Rodgers USA) and Jack McGowan (USA) finished 5 shots behind 52-year-old Snead (USA), at the time the oldest ever winner of a PGA Tour event (which remains the case as of 2020). This was the last of Snead's eight wins in this event. [Sedgefield CC, Greensboro, NC].

1964
America
Pinecrest Lakes
272 (-16)
$2,800
Haig Scotch

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Pinecrest Lakes

Score

272 (-16)

Prize money

$2,800

Title sponsor

Haig Scotch

Played as the Haig & Haig Scotch Mixed Foursome Invt (two-person team event; one PGA Tr, one LPGA Tr)l. Winning team by 1 shot: Sam Snead (USA, aged 52) & Shirley Englehorn (USA, aged 24). Second-place: Dow Finsterwald (USA) & Marlene Hagge (USA). [Co-hosted by Pinecrest Lakes GC (now Pinecrest GC), Avon Park, FL and Harder Hall GC, Sebring, FL].

1964
America
BallenIsles CC
279 (-9)
PGA of America

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

BallenIsles CC

Score

279 (-9)

Prize money

Title sponsor

PGA of America

Played as the PGA Seniors' Championship (25th). For the second year running John Barnum (USA) finished in second place, this time behind wire-to-wire winner Snead (USA), who was making his debut in this event. [East Course, BallenIsles CC, Palm Beach Gdns, FL. at the time known as the "new" PGA National GC, taking that name from Dunedin GC, FL].

1964
Europe
7 & 6
£500
Teacher's

Category

Europe

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Score

7 & 6

Prize money

£500

Title sponsor

Teacher's

Played as the Teacher International Senior Golf Championship (July 12; 36-hole match between the US and British PGA Senior Champions; for the unofficial title of world senior professional champion). Snead (USA) beat Syd Scott (Eng). [West course, Wentworth Club, Virginia Water, Surrey].

1962
America
211
$2,000
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Score

211

Prize money

$2,000

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Royal Poinciana Invitational. Mickey Wright finished in second place behind Snead.

1961
America
273 (-15)
$10,000
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Score

273 (-15)

Prize money

$10,000

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Tournament of Champions (May 4-7). Second-placed Tommy Bolt (USA) finished 7 shots behind Snead (USA). [Wynn Las Vegas, Nevada; at the time known as Desert Inn CC].

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Score

272 (-16)

Prize money

Title sponsor

x

Second-placed Peter Thomson (Aus) finished 8 shots behind Snead (USA), who won the International Trophy for best individual score in the Canada Cup. Team winners of the Cup: Sam Snead & Jimmy Demaret (USA). [East course, TPC Dorado Beach, Puerto Rico; at the time known as Dorado Beach Resort].].

1960
America
Starmount Forest
270 (-14)
$2,800
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Starmount Forest

Score

270 (-14)

Prize money

$2,800

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Greater Greensboro Open (April 14-17). Second-placed and defending champion Dow Finsterwald (USA) finished 2 shots behind Snead (USA). This was the seventh of Snead's eight wins in this event. [Starmount Forest CC, Greensboro, NC].

1960
America
276 (-8)
$5,300
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Score

276 (-8)

Prize money

$5,300

Title sponsor

x

Played as the first (and only) De Soto Open Invitational (March 24-27). Second-placed Jerry Barber (USA) finished 1 shot behind 47-year-old Sam Snead (USA). [Palms course, Palm-Aire CC, Pompano Beach, FL; at the time known as De Soto Lakes G&CC].

1958
America
Dallas, GC of
272 (-12)
$3,500
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Dallas, GC of

Score

272 (-12)

Prize money

$3,500

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Dallas Open Invitational (June 5-8). Defending champion Snead (USA) beat Julius Boros (USA), John McMullin (USA) and Gary Player (S Africa) with a birdie at the first playoff hole. [GC of Dallas, Dallas, TX; at the time called Oak Cliff CC].

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Score

Prize money

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Palm Beach Round Robin.

1957
America
Glen Lakes CC
264 (-20)
$8,000
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Glen Lakes CC

Score

264 (-20)

Prize money

$8,000

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Dallas Open Invitational (Sept 13-16). Second-placed Bob Inman (USA), Billy Maxwell (USA) and Cary Middlecoff (USA) finished 10 shots behind Snead (USA). In the second round Snead shot an 11-under-par 60, equalling the PGA Tour record low score for 18 holes, set by Byron Nelson in 1945. [Glen Lakes CC, Dallas, TX; club/course no longer exists].

1956
America
Starmount Forest
279 (-5)
$2,200
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Starmount Forest

Score

279 (-5)

Prize money

$2,200

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Greater Greensboro Open (April 12-15). Defending champion Snead (USA) beat Fred Wampler (USA) with a 30-foot birdie putt at the second playoff hole. This was the sixth of Snead's eight wins in this event. [Starmount Forest CC, Greensboro, NC].

1955
America
Starmount Forest
273 (-7)
$2,200
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Starmount Forest

Score

273 (-7)

Prize money

$2,200

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Greater Greensboro Open (April 14-17). Second-placed Art Wall Jr (USA) and Julius Boros (USA) finished 1 shot behind Snead (USA). This was the fifth of Snead's eight wins in this event. [Starmount Forest CC, Greensboro, NC].

1955
Awards
69.86
n/a
PGA of America

Category

Awards

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Score

69.86

Prize money

n/a

Title sponsor

PGA of America

Snead (USA) won the PGA of America Vardon Trophy, recording the season's lowest scoring average on the PGA Tour.

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Score

Prize money

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Palm Beach Round Robin.

1955
America
Wethersfield CC
269 (-15)
$4,000
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Wethersfield CC

Score

269 (-15)

Prize money

$4,000

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Insurance City Open (Sept 2-5). Second-placed Fred Hawkins (USA) and Mike Souchak (USA) finished 7 shots behind Sam Snead (USA). During the first round of the tournament, W.W. "Bill" Whedon (an amateur) became the first player to record two holes-in-one in the same round of golf on the PGA Tour. Monday Labour Day finish. [Wethersfield CC, nr Hartford, CT].

1955
America
Miami Springs G&CC
201 (-9)
$2,200
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Miami Springs G&CC

Score

201 (-9)

Prize money

$2,200

Title sponsor

x

Played as the (last) Miami Open (Dec 8-11). Sam Snead (USA) beat Tommy Bolt (USA) with a par 4 at the first playoff hole, to record his sixth win in this event. Reduced to 54 holes after first round was cancelled due to rain. [Miami Springs G&CC, Miami, FL; at the time known as Miami Springs Municipal Course].

1954
America
Panama GC
271
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Panama GC

Score

271

Prize money

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Panama Open. Won by Snead (USA). [GC de Panama, Panama City, Panama].

1954
Majors
289 (+1)
$5,000
x

Category

Majors

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Score

289 (+1)

Prize money

$5,000

Title sponsor

x

The Masters Tournament (18th) (April 8-12). Snead (USA) beat Ben Hogan (USA) in an 18-hole playoff: Snead 70 (-2), Hogan 71 (-1). This was Snead's third Masters win in six years. [Augusta National GC, Augusta, GA].

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Score

Prize money

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Palm Beach Round Robin.

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Score

Prize money

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Baton Rouge Open.

1953
Team Events
3 & 2
$775
x

Category

Team Events

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Score

3 & 2

Prize money

$775

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Orlando Mixed Foursome. Winning team : McKinnon & Sam Snead. Second-placed team : Babe Zaharias & George Bolesta.

1952
America
Tam O'Shanter
271 (-17)
$3,420
George S. May

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Tam O'Shanter

Score

271 (-17)

Prize money

$3,420

Title sponsor

George S. May

Played as the All American Open (Jul 31-Aug 3; aka the Tam O'Shanter). Second-placed Tommy Bolt (USA) finished 8 shots behind Sam Snead (USA). [Tam O'Shanter CC, Niles, nr Chicago, IL; now the municipal Tam O'Shanter Golf Course].

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Score

Prize money

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Palm Beach Round Robin.

1952
America
267 (-17)
$1,000
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Score

267 (-17)

Prize money

$1,000

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Brazil Open (Aberto do Brasil). Ricardo Rossi (Brazil) finished in second place behind Snead (USA). [Sao Paulo GC, Santo Amoro, Sao Paulo, Brazil].

1952
America
Mt Pleasant GC
275 (-13)
$2,400
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Mt Pleasant GC

Score

275 (-13)

Prize money

$2,400

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Eastern Open (Sept 11-14). Second-placed Ed "Porky" Oliver (USA) finished 2 shots behind Sam Snead (USA). [Mt Pleasant Municipal GC, Baltimore, MD].

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Score

Prize money

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Inverness Round Robin Invitational.

1952
Majors
286 (-2)
$4,000
x

Category

Majors

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Score

286 (-2)

Prize money

$4,000

Title sponsor

x

The Masters Tournament (16th) (April 3-6). Second-placed Jack "Jackie" Burke Jr (USA) finished 4 shots behind Snead (USA), who claimed the second of his three Masters green jackets. Final round played in very windy conditions. [Augusta National GC, Augusta, GA].

1951
Majors
7 & 6
$3,500
PGA of America

Category

Majors

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Score

7 & 6

Prize money

$3,500

Title sponsor

PGA of America

The US PGA Championship (33rd) (Jun 27-Jul 3). Snead (USA) beat Walter Burkemo (USA) 7 and 6 in the 36-hole final, to capture his third and final PGA Championship title. [Oakmont CC, nr Pittsburgh, PA].

1951
America
Miami Springs G&CC
268 (-12)
$2,000
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Miami Springs G&CC

Score

268 (-12)

Prize money

$2,000

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Miami Open (Dec 6-9). Second-placed Chandler Harper (USA) and E.J. "Dutch" Harrison (USA) finished 5 shots behind defending champion Sam Snead (USA), who won this event for the fifth time in total. [Miami Springs G&CC, Miami, FL; at the time known as Miami Springs Municipal Course].

1950
Awards
$35,760
see Score
PGA of America

Category

Awards

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Score

$35,760

Prize money

see Score

Title sponsor

PGA of America

Snead (USA) won his third (and second straight) leading money winner title, with 1950 season earnings of $35,760 on the Tour.

1950
America
275 (-13)
$1,500
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Score

275 (-13)

Prize money

$1,500

Title sponsor

x

Played as the North & South Open (Oct 31-Nov 3). Second-placed Johnny Palmer (USA) finished 4 shots behind defending champion Sam Snead (USA), who recorded the last of his three wins in this event. [No.2 Course, Pinehurst Resort, North Carolina].

1950
America
265 (-19)
$2,000
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Score

265 (-19)

Prize money

$2,000

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Texas Open (Feb 9-12). Second-placed Jimmy Demaret (USA) finished 1 shot behind Snead (USA), who recorded his second win in three years in this event. Snead shot a pair of 63s in the final two rounds to claim victory. [Brackenridge Park GC, San Antonio, TX. Early rounds also played at Ft Sam Houston GC].

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Score

Prize money

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Inverness Invitational Four-Ball.

1950
America
Berkshire CC, PA
268 (-20)
$2,600
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Berkshire CC, PA

Score

268 (-20)

Prize money

$2,600

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Reading Open (Sept 7-10). Second-placed Jim Ferrier (USA) finished 8 shots behind Sam Snead (USA). [Berkshire CC, Reading, Pennsylvania].

1950
America
Brentwood CC
282 (-2)
$2,600
WGA

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Brentwood CC

Score

282 (-2)

Prize money

$2,600

Title sponsor

WGA

Played as the Western Open (May 18-21). Second-placed Jim Ferrier (Aus/USA) and E.J. "Dutch" Harrison (USA) finished 1 shot behind defending champion Sam Snead (USA). [Brentwood CC, Brentwood, Los Angeles, CA].

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Score

280 (-4)

Prize money

$2,600

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Los Angeles Open (Jan 6-9). Snead (USA) beat Ben Hogan (USA) in an 18-hole playoff (Snead 72, Hogan 76). The playoff was delayed until January 18 due to other tournaments and scheduling conflicts. [Riviera CC, Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, CA].

1950
America
273 (-15)
$2,000
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Score

273 (-15)

Prize money

$2,000

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Miami Beach Open (March 9-12; last played in 1929). Second-placed Lawson Little (USA) finished 3 shots behind Sam Snead (USA). [Normandy Shores GC, Miami Beach, FL; at the time known as Normandy Isle GC. Each player also played one of their first two rounds at Miami Beach GC; at the time known as Bayshore GC].

1950
America
Miami Springs G&CC
267 (-13)
$2,000
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Miami Springs G&CC

Score

267 (-13)

Prize money

$2,000

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Miami Open (Nov 30-Dec 3). Second-placed Jack Burke Jr (USA) and Dick Mayer (USA) finished 5 shots behind Sam Snead (USA), who recorded his fourth win in this event, 11th PGA Tour title of the year and 60th overall. [Miami Springs G&CC, Miami, FL; at the time known as Miami Springs Municipal Course].

1950
America
214 (-2)
$1,237
Bing Crosby

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Score

214 (-2)

Prize money

$1,237

Title sponsor

Bing Crosby

Played as the Bing Crosby Pro-Am (Jan 13-15; 54-hole event). Sam Snead (USA), Jack Burke Jr (USA), Smiley Quick (USA) and Dave Douglas (USA) tied for first place. There was no sudden-death playoff in those days. [Pebble Beach Links, Monterey Peninsula, CA. Earlier rounds also at: Cypress Point Club and Monterey Peninsula CC].

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Score

277 (-3)

Prize money

$3,000

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Colonial National Invitation (May 25-28). Second-placed Skip Alexander (USA) finished 3 shots behind Sam Snead (USA). [Colonial CC, Ft Worth, TX].

1950
Awards
69.23
n/a
PGA of America

Category

Awards

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Score

69.23

Prize money

n/a

Title sponsor

PGA of America

Snead (USA) won his second straight PGA of America Vardon Trophy, recording the season's lowest scoring average on the PGA Tour.

1950
America
269 (-11)
$2,000
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Score

269 (-11)

Prize money

$2,000

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Greater Greensboro Open (March 23-26). Second-placed Jimmy Demaret (USA) finished 10 shots behind defending champion Snead (USA). This was the fourth of Snead's eight wins in this event. [Sedgefield CC, Greensboro, NC].

1949
America
Prince George's CC
272 (-16)
$2,600
Washington Star

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Prince George's CC

Score

272 (-16)

Prize money

$2,600

Title sponsor

Washington Star

Played as the Washington Star Open (July 1-4; one-off PGA Tour event). Second-placed Cary Middlecoff (USA) finished 2 shots behind Sam Snead (USA). [Prince George's CC, Landover, Maryland. Course closed and is now the Kentland Golf Training Center].

1949
America
Starmount Forest
276 (-8)
$2,000
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Starmount Forest

Score

276 (-8)

Prize money

$2,000

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Greater Greensboro Open (March 25-29). Snead (USA) beat defending champion Lloyd Mangrum (USA) in an 18-hole playoff (Snead 68, Mangrum 70). This was the third of Snead's eight wins in this event. [Starmount Forest CC, Greensboro, NC].

1949
Awards
69.37
n/a
PGA of America

Category

Awards

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Score

69.37

Prize money

n/a

Title sponsor

PGA of America

Snead (USA) won the PGA of America Vardon Trophy, recording the season's lowest scoring average on the PGA Tour.

1949
Awards
$31,593
see Score
PGA of America

Category

Awards

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Score

$31,593

Prize money

see Score

Title sponsor

PGA of America

Snead (USA) won his second PGA Tour leading money winner title, with 1949 season earnings of $31,593 on the Tour.

1949
Awards
x
n/a
PGA of America

Category

Awards

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Score

x

Prize money

n/a

Title sponsor

PGA of America

Snead (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).

1949
Majors
283 (-5)
$2,750
x

Category

Majors

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Score

283 (-5)

Prize money

$2,750

Title sponsor

x

The Masters Tournament (13th) (April 7-10). Second-placed Lloyd Mangrum (USA) and Johnny Bulla (USA) finished 3 shots behind Snead (USA), who claimed the first of his three Masters titles. This was the first year that Augusta National's famous green jacket was presented to the Masters winner. [Augusta National GC, Augusta, GA].

1949
Majors
Hermitage CC, VA
3 & 2
$3,500
PGA of America

Category

Majors

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Hermitage CC, VA

Score

3 & 2

Prize money

$3,500

Title sponsor

PGA of America

The US PGA Championship (31st) (May 25-31). Native Virginian Sam Snead (USA) beat Johnny Palmer (USA) 3 and 2 in the 36-hole final, to claim his second PGA Championship title. [Hermitage CC, Manikin-Sabot, VA].

1949
America
Keller GC
268 (-20)
$2,600
WGA

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Keller GC

Score

268 (-20)

Prize money

$2,600

Title sponsor

WGA

Played as the Western Open (July 28-31). Second-placed Cary Middlecoff (USA) finished 4 shots behind Sam Snead (USA), who shot a 5-under-par 67 in the final round. [Keller GC, St Paul, Minnesota].

1949
America
274 (-14)
$1,500
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Score

274 (-14)

Prize money

$1,500

Title sponsor

x

Played as the North & South Open (Nov 2-4). Second-placed Johnny Bulla (USA) finished shots behind Sam Snead (USA). [No.2 Course, Pinehurst Resort, North Carolina].

1949
America
Alcoma CC
274 (-14)
$2,600
Dapper Dan

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Alcoma CC

Score

274 (-14)

Prize money

$2,600

Title sponsor

Dapper Dan

Played as the (last) Dapper Dan Open (July 14-18). Second-placed Lloyd Mangrum (USA) finished 1 shot behind Sam Snead (USA). Monday finish required when Sunday's final round was rained out. [Alcoma CC, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; now called 3 Lakes GC].

1948
America
Willow Springs, TX
264 (-20)
$2,000
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Willow Springs, TX

Score

264 (-20)

Prize money

$2,000

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Texas Open (Feb 5-8). Second-placed Jimmy Demaret (USA) finished 2 shots behind Sam Snead (USA), who shot four rounds in the 60s to overhaul Demaret's third round 63. [Willow Springs GC, San Antonio, TX].

1946
America
Tam O'Shanter
138 (-6)
$10,000
George S. May

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Tam O'Shanter

Score

138 (-6)

Prize money

$10,000

Title sponsor

George S. May

Played as the inaugural $10,000 World Championship of Golf (Sept 7/8; PGA Tour 36-hole winner-take-all exhibition event). Second-placed Byron Nelson (USA) finished 2 shots behind Sam Snead (USA). [Tam O'Shanter CC, Niles, nr Chicago, IL; now the municipal Tam O'Shanter Golf Course].

1946
Majors
290 (+2)
£150
R&A

Category

Majors

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Score

290 (+2)

Prize money

£150

Title sponsor

R&A

The Open Championship (75th) (July 3-5). Second-placed Bobby Locke (RSA) and Johnny Bulla (USA) finished 4 shots behind Snead (USA). [The Old Course, St Andrews, Fife].

1946
America
270 (-10)
$1,500
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Score

270 (-10)

Prize money

$1,500

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Greater Greensboro Open (March 21-24). Second-placed Herman Keiser (USA) finished 6 shots behind Snead (USA), who recorded the second of his eight wins in this event. [Sedgefield CC, Greensboro, NC].

1946
America
Brentwood GC, FL
264 (-24)
$2,000
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Brentwood GC, FL

Score

264 (-24)

Prize money

$2,000

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Jacksonville Open (March 14-16). Second-placed Jimmy Demaret (USA) finished 4 shots behind defending champion Snead (USA). [Brentwood GC, Jacksonville, FL].

1946
America
Miami Springs G&CC
268 (-12)
$2,000
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Miami Springs G&CC

Score

268 (-12)

Prize money

$2,000

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Miami Open (Dec 5-8). Second-placed Clayton Heafner (USA) finished 3 shots behind wire-to-wire winner Sam Snead (USA), who won this event for the third time. [Miami Springs G&CC, Miami, FL; at the time known as Miami Springs Municipal Course].

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Score

Prize money

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Virginia Open.

1945
America
Brentwood GC, FL
266 (-22)
$1,000
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Brentwood GC, FL

Score

266 (-22)

Prize money

$1,000

Title sponsor

x

Played as the inaugural Jacksonville Open (March 2-4). Second-placed Bob Hamilton (USA) finished 4 shots behind Snead (USA). [Brentwood GC, Jacksonville, FL].

1945
America
Dallas CC
276 (-12)
$2,000
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Dallas CC

Score

276 (-12)

Prize money

$2,000

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Dallas Open (Sept 6-9). Second-placed Harold "Jug" McSpaden (USA) finished 4 shots behind Snead (USA). [Dallas CC, Dallas, TX].

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Score

Prize money

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Pensacola Open Invitational.

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Score

283 (-1)

Prize money

$2,666

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Los Angeles Open (Jan 5-8). Second-placed Harold McSpaden (USA) and Byron Nelson (USA) finished 1 shot behind Snead (USA). [Riviera CC, Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, CA].

1945
America
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Score

Prize money

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Tulsa Open.

1945
America
Great Southern GC
275 (-9)
$1,000
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Great Southern GC

Score

275 (-9)

Prize money

$1,000

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Gulfport Open (Feb 16-19). Sam Snead (USA) beat Byron Nelson (USA) in a Monday playoff. After finishing an 18-hole playoff tied on even par 71, Snead won the first sudden-death playoff hole with a par to Nelson's bogey-5. [Great Southern GC, Gulfport, Mississippi].

1944
America
Richmond CC, CA
278 (-6)
$1,600
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Richmond CC, CA

Score

278 (-6)

Prize money

$1,600

Title sponsor

x

Played as the inaugural Richmond Open (Dec 14-17; not played in 1945). Second-placed Charles "Chuck" Congdon (USA) finished 1 shot behind Sam Snead (USA). [Richmond CC, nr San Francisco, CA].

1944
America
289 (+1)
$2,675
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Score

289 (+1)

Prize money

$2,675

Title sponsor

x

Played as the inaugural Portland Open (Nov 23-26). Second-placed Mike Turnesa (USA) finished 2 shots behind Sam Snead (USA). [Portland GC, Portland, Oregon].

1942
Majors
2 & 1
$1,000
PGA of America

Category

Majors

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Score

2 & 1

Prize money

$1,000

Title sponsor

PGA of America

The US PGA Championship (25th) (May 23-31). Snead (USA) beat Jim Turnesa (USA) 2 and 1 in the 36-hole final. Turnesa, an Army corporal, had been granted leave to play in this event; meanwhile Snead had to report for wartime service in the US Navy the day after the Championship. [Bay course, Seaview Resort, Galloway, nr Atlantic City, NJ].

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Score

Prize money

Title sponsor

x

Played as the St Petersburg Open.

1941
America
Lambton GC
274 (-6)
$1,000
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Lambton GC

Score

274 (-6)

Prize money

$1,000

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Canadian Open (Aug 7-9). Second-placed Bobby Gray (Scot/Can) finished 2 shots behind defending champion and three-time Canadian Open winner Sam Snead (USA). [Lambton G&CC, Toronto, Ont.].

1941
America
279
$1,200
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Score

279

Prize money

$1,200

Title sponsor

x

Played as the St Petersburg Open.

1941
America
Torresdale-Frankford CC
272 (-8)
$1,500
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Torresdale-Frankford CC

Score

272 (-8)

Prize money

$1,500

Title sponsor

x

Played as the inaugural (and only) Henry Hurst Invitational (Sept 19-21). Second-placed Dick Metz (USA) finished 9 shots behind Sam Snead (USA). [Torresdale-Frankford CC, Torresdale, nr Philadelphia, PA; now known as The Union League Golf Club at Torresdale].

1941
America
277 (-3)
$1,200
The Times-Union

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Score

277 (-3)

Prize money

$1,200

Title sponsor

The Times-Union

Played as the inaugural Times-Union Open (Aug 15-17). Second-placed Ben Hogan (USA) finished 7 shots behind Sam Snead (USA), who won on the PGA Tour for the second straight week. [East Course, Oak Hill CC, Rochester, NY].

1941
America
Rancho Santa Fe
136 (-8)
$500
Bing Crosby

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Rancho Santa Fe

Score

136 (-8)

Prize money

$500

Title sponsor

Bing Crosby

Played as the Bing Crosby Pro-Am (Jan 25/26; 36-hole event). Second-placed Craig Wood (USA) finished 1 shot behind Snead (USA), who won this event for the third time in its five year history. [Rancho Sante Fe GC, nr San Diego, CA].

1941
America
277 (-11)
$1,000
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Score

277 (-11)

Prize money

$1,000

Title sponsor

x

Played as the North & South Open (March 18-20). Second-placed Clayton Heafner (USA) finished 3 shots behind Sam Snead (USA). [No.2 Course, Pinehurst Resort, North Carolina].

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Score

Prize money

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Inverness Invitational Four-Ball.

1940
America
Scranton CC
276 (-4)
$1,200
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Scranton CC

Score

276 (-4)

Prize money

$1,200

Title sponsor

x

Played as the (last) Anthracite Open (Sept 6-8). Second-placed Byron Nelson (USA) finished 2 shots behind Sam Snead (USA), who recorded his 20th PGA Tour win. [Scranton CC, Scranton, Pennsylvania].

1940
America
281 (-3)
$1,000
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Score

281 (-3)

Prize money

$1,000

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Canadian Open (Aug 15-17, 19). Sam Snead (USA) beat defending champion Harold "Jug" McSpaden (USA) in an 18-hole Monday playoff (Snead 71, McSpaden 72). McSpaden missed a two-foot putt on the final playoff hole to gift the title to Snead by a shot. [Scarboro G&CC, Toronto, Ont.].

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Score

Prize money

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Miami Biltmore Four-Ball.

1939
America
Miami Springs G&CC
271 (-9)
$2,500
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Miami Springs G&CC

Score

271 (-9)

Prize money

$2,500

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Miami Open (Dec 14-17). Second-placed and defending champion Harold "Jug" McSpaden (USA) finished 2 shots behind Sam Snead (USA), who won this event for the second time in three years. [Miami Springs G&CC, Miami, FL; at the time known as Miami Springs Municipal Course].

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Score

Prize money

Title sponsor

x

Played as the St Petersburg Open.

1938
America
Fenway GC
430 (+10)
$5,000
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Fenway GC

Score

430 (+10)

Prize money

$5,000

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Westchester 108-Hole Open (Sept 21-27; one-off PGA Tour event). Second-placed Billy Burke (USA) finished 2 shots behind Sam Snead (USA). First round postponed for two days due to heavy rain on the planned opening day (Weds 21st). [Fenway GC, Scarsdale, NY].

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Score

Prize money

Title sponsor

x

Played as the White Sulphur Springs Open.

1938
America
271 (-11)
$1,200
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Score

271 (-11)

Prize money

$1,200

Title sponsor

x

Played as the inaugural Greater Greensboro Open (March 26-28). Second-placed Johnny Revolta (USA) finished 5 shots behind Snead (USA), who recorded the first of his eight wins in this event. [Sedgefield CC and Starmount Forest CC, Greensboro, NC].

1938
America
277 (-11)
$1,000
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Score

277 (-11)

Prize money

$1,000

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Canadian Open (Aug 18-20, 22). Sam Snead (USA) beat defending champion "Lighthorse" Harry Cooper (Eng/USA) in a Monday playoff. The two players both scored 67 in the 18-hole playoff, which then required an additional nine hole playoff (Snead 34, Cooper 39). [Mississaugua G&CC, Mississauga, Ont.].

1938
Awards
520 pts
n/a
PGA of America

Category

Awards

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Score

520 pts

Prize money

n/a

Title sponsor

PGA of America

Snead (USA) won the PGA of America Vardon Trophy, based on a season-long points accumulation.

1938
America
207 (-3)
$1,500
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Score

207 (-3)

Prize money

$1,500

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Chicago Open (July 22-24). Second-placed Ralph Guldahl (USA) finished 1 shot behind Sam Snead (USA). Reduced to 54 holes after first round lost to rain. [No.4 (North) course, Olympia Fields CC, nr Chicago, IL; first two rounds also used the No.1 (South) course].

1938
America
Rancho Santa Fe
139 (-5)
$500
Bing Crosby

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Rancho Santa Fe

Score

139 (-5)

Prize money

$500

Title sponsor

Bing Crosby

Played as the Bing Crosby Pro-Am (Jan 16/17; 36-hole event). Second-placed Jimmy Hines (USA) finished 2 shots behind defending champion Snead (USA). [Rancho Sante Fe GC, nr San Diego, CA].

1938
Awards
$19,543
see Score
PGA of America

Category

Awards

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Score

$19,543

Prize money

see Score

Title sponsor

PGA of America

Snead (USA) was the PGA Tour 1938 leading money winner, with earnings of $19,543 on the Tour.

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Score

Prize money

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Palm Beach Round Robin.

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Score

Prize money

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Inverness Invitational.

1937
America
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Score

Prize money

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Nassau Open.

1937
America
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Score

Prize money

Title sponsor

x

Played as the St Paul Open.

1937
America
Claremont CC
270 (-2)
$1,200
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Claremont CC

Score

270 (-2)

Prize money

$1,200

Title sponsor

x

Played as the inaugural Oakland Open (Jan 15-17). Second-placed Ralph Guldahl (USA) finished 2 shots behind 24-year-old Sam Snead (USA), who recorded his second PGA Tour win. [Claremont CC, Oakland, California].

1937
America
Rancho Santa Fe
68 (-4)
$500
Bing Crosby

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Rancho Santa Fe

Score

68 (-4)

Prize money

$500

Title sponsor

Bing Crosby

Played as the inaugural Bing Crosby Pro-Am (Feb 5/6). Second-placed George Von Elm (USA) finished 4 shots behind Snead (USA). Event reduced from 36 holes to 18 following cancellation of first round due to rain. [Rancho Sante Fe GC, nr San Diego, CA].

1937
America
Miami Springs G&CC
267 (-13)
$500
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Miami Springs G&CC

Score

267 (-13)

Prize money

$500

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Miami Open (Dec 23-25; second of two Miami Opens played in 1937, establishing a new December slot for this PGA Tour event). Second-placed Ralph Guldahl (USA) and Horton Smith (USA) finished 5 shots behind Sam Snead (USA), who recorded a 5-under-par 30 for the closing nine holes. [Miami Springs G&CC, Miami, FL; at the time known as Miami Springs Municipal Course].

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Snead, Sam

Venue

Score

Prize money

Title sponsor

x

Played as the West Virginia Closed Pro.

Find a course

Or

Tournaments

Ryder Cup: Rome plays host to the first ever Ryder Cup to be staged in Italy, with the USA defending golf’s greatest team trophy at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club (Sept 29-Oct 1).

Solheim Cup: also in September, also in southern Europe, the 18th Solheim Cup will be contested at Finca Cortesin on the Costa del Sol, with Europe defending after their surprise win in Toledo, Inverness Club (Ohio) in 2021 (Sept 22-24). 

Who's Who

Céline Boutier: with many successes as both an amateur and professional golfer, Boutier added a major championship title to her impressive résumé at this year’s Evian Championship.

Alex Cejka: buffeted by rain and high winds, especially on the high-scoring final day, Čejka prevailed over Pádraig Harrington in a playoff at Royal Porthcawl, to scoop the Senior Open Championship title.

Marco Simone Golf & Country Club

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.

Prince's Golf Club, Kent (UK)

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

Popular videos

You can subscribe to the Where2Golf channel on YT if you like to see more video content. You'll find a "Subscribe" button on any of our YouTube videos. Or if you want a quick and direct access subscribe here. Once done, any new published videos will show up in your Subscriptions feed.

Hamburger GC - Falkenstein, Germany

WINSTONgolf - Links course

Littlestone Golf Club (Kent, UK)