Sam Snead

Sam Snead was an American professional golfer, born on May 27, 1912, in Ashwood, Virginia. He is often considered one of the greatest golfers in the history of the sport. Snead began his professional career in 1934 and won numerous major championships, including three Masters Tournaments, three PGA Championships, and one Open Championship.

Snead was known for his powerful and consistent swing, accuracy, and competitiveness. He won numerous individual awards and holds multiple records, including the most career victories in PGA Tour history.

Off the green, Snead is remembered for his contributions to the sport, his charismatic personality, and his legacy as a golf instructor.

Early Career

• Beginnings: Snead began his professional career in 1934. His early success came in 1936 when he won two matches at the Meadow Brook Club.

PGA Tour

• Major Success: Snead's career took off on the PGA Tour. He won his first major championship at the 1942 PGA Championship. He would go on to win a total of seven major championships during his career.

Later Career

• Continued Success: Even in his later years, Snead remained competitive. He won the Senior PGA Championship six times and continued to play in PGA Tour events into his sixties.

Ryder Cup

• Debut: Made his Ryder Cup debut in 1937.

Achievements:

• Sam Snead played in the Ryder Cup seven times and was non-playing captain for the United States team three times.

• Skills: Known for his smooth and powerful swing, precision, and competitiveness. Snead is celebrated for his longevity in the sport, powerful drive, and accuracy.

• Family: Snead was married to Audrey Karnes and had two sons. He lived in Hot Springs, Virginia.
• Hobbies: Snead was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing.

• Sam Snead is celebrated not only for his extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for his longevity in professional golf. His impact on the sport and his status as a golf icon extend beyond the green, inspiring millions of fans and future golfers around the world.

Most Wins on PGA Tour:

• 82 wins

Winner of Seven Major Championships:

• Three Masters Tournaments, three PGA Championships, and one Open Championship

Induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame:

• Inducted in 1974

Most Wins in a Single Season:

• 11 wins in 1950

Books

• Snead, S. (2002) The Education of a Golfer. New York: Simon & Schuster.
• Roberts, J. (2006) Breaking the Slump: How Great Players Survived Their Darkest Moments in Golf--and What You Can Learn from Them. New York: HarperCollins.

Websites

• PGA Tour: Information about Sam Snead’s career and achievements. Available at: https://www.pgatour.com
• World Golf Hall of Fame: Details about Snead’s career and his induction into the Hall of Fame. Available at: https://www.worldgolfhalloffame.org

Articles

• Golf Digest: Sam Snead: A look back at a legendary career. Available at: https://www.golfdigest.com/story/sam-snead-a-look-back-at-a-legendary-career
• The New York Times: Sam Snead, 89, Golf's Slammer, Dies. Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/24/sports/sam-snead-89-golf-s-slammer-dies.html

Interviews and Documentaries

• Sam Snead: A Swing for a Lifetime (1997): This documentary provides a detailed look at Snead’s life and career, featuring interviews with his family, friends, and colleagues.
• Golf Channel: Various interviews and features on Sam Snead, covering different aspects of his career. Available at: https://www.golfchannel.com