Honorees

Almost from the day he exploded out of the Virginia woods onto the national golf scene, “Slammin’ Sammy Snead” has been one of the most captivating figures in the game’s history. A storybook background and a homespun personality joined with his peerless shot making and commanding physical presence to attract huge galleries.

His first victory came in a West Virginia PGA event in 1936, when he was 24. Forty-six years later, in 1982, at the age of 70, partnered by Don January, he won the renowned Legends of Golf tournament.  In between he has won more than 160 times around the world, including 85 victories on the American tour.  Among his greatest achievements were seven major championships - three Masters, three PGA Championships, and one British Open.

Great as his playing record is, Sam Snead will be remembered most dearly as the sweetest swinger of a golf club who ever lived.  Strong, supple, agile and supremely well coordinated, he seemed to play the game by pure instinct, but with a grace and rhythm and ease unequaled throughout its history.