Walter Hagen was an American professional golfer who rose to prominence in the first half of the twentieth century as a major figure in the sport.
His 11 major championships rank third behind Jack Nicklaus (18) and Tiger Woods (15). Walter Hagen was dubbed the “Father of Professional Golf” because he gave the sport fame, popularity, large prize money, and lucrative endorsements. Hagen is widely regarded as one of the best golfers of all time.
Hagen won the U.S. Open twice, and the Claret Jug three times after becoming the first native-born American to win the British Open in 1922. He also set a record by winning the PGA Championship five times (all in match play) and the Western Open five times when it was a near-major championship.
Hagen won 45 PGA Tour titles and was a six-time Ryder Cup captain throughout his career. Here are some his top quotes:
“You’re only here for a short visit. Don’t hurry, don’t worry. And be sure to smell the flowers along the way.”― Walter
“I never wanted to be a millionaire. I just wanted to live like one.”― Walter
“It is the addition of strangeness to beauty that constitutes the romantic character in art.”― Walter
“There is no tragedy in missing a putt, no matter how short. All have erred in this respect.”― Walter
“No one remembers who came in second.”― Walter
“IT PLEASED THE PUBLIC TO THINK I LIVED THE EASY, CAREFREE LIFE – THE PLAYBOY OF GOLF.”― WALTER HAGEN
“My dear, did you ever stop to think what a wonderful bunker you would make?”― Walter Hagen
“Make the hard ones look easy and the easy ones look hard.”― Walter Hagen
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