Billy Casper
William Earl "Billy" Casper ( * June 24, 1931 in San Diego, California) is an American professional golfer. His most efficient way of playing and his quiet nature stood in contrast to the more famous contemporaries, the Big Three ( Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player). He is perhaps why the least recognized player in the history of professional golf.
Career
After a year studying at the University of Notre Dame Casper joined in 1954 at the PGA Tour. Two years later he won his first tournament, the Labatt Open. In his remarkable career, Casper won 1956-1975 on the North American PGA TOUR 51 tournament wins, including three majors. He takes seventh place in the list of most wins in PGA tours. Between 1964 and 1970 he won together more PGA title as the leading bands Arnold Palmer and Gary Player, and four more than Jack Nicklaus. Outside the PGA Tour Casper was nine times successfully.
He played eight times (continuously from 1961 to 1975 ) in the Ryder Cup for the U.S.. In 1979 he was captain (non -playing captain ) of the team. Except for one (1969 ), which ran a draw, but for Cupverteidigung arrived, all were won these encounters. With a total of 23.5 points, he is the most successful American Ryder Cup player ever.
After the end of his tournament career, he devoted himself with success to the design of golf courses.
Awards
- PGA Player of the Year: 1966, 1970
- Vardon Trophy ( for best batting average ): 1960, 1962, 1966, 1968
- Leading money winner ( money list winner): 1966, 1968
- World Golf Hall of Fame: 1978
PGA Tour victories
Major championships are shown in bold.
Champions Tour victories
Senior Major in bold.
Other tournament victories
Participation in team competitions
- Ryder Cup: 1961, 1963, 1965, 1967, 1969, 1971, 1973, 1975; 1979