American · Stephenville, Texas · Born 13 August 1912 · Died 1997-07-25American golf legend who won 9 majors and completed a historic single-season Triple Crown in 1953.
William Ben Hogan was born in Stephenville, Texas in 1912 and won 9 major championships and 64 PGA Tour titles — a record of consistency that places him alongside Nicklaus and Woods as the three finest golfers in history. His majors: Masters (1951, 1953), US Open (1948, 1950, 1951, 1953), The Open Championship (1953) and PGA Championship (1946, 1948). In 1953 he won 3 majors in a single season — the Masters, US Open and Open Championship — becoming the first and only player to win 3 majors in a calendar year; he could not attempt the PGA Championship as it overlapped with The Open. He won 64 PGA Tour events. His career was interrupted by a near-fatal head-on collision with a Greyhound bus in February 1949 — doctors doubted he would walk again. He returned 16 months later to win the 1950 US Open at Merion in an 18-hole playoff, completing one of sport's most celebrated recoveries. His The Open Championship victory in 1953 at Carnoustie — his only appearance in the event — was won by 4 shots with a then-championship record score. He is credited with developing the concept of course management and the modern concept of the professional golf swing — his book Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf is still in print.
1953 'Triple Crown' (Masters, US Open, Open Championship in one year); comeback after near-fatal car crash
He won three major championships in 1953 — the Masters, US Open and Open Championship — the greatest single season in golf history.
Did You Know?How They Played
Precise, methodical approach with exceptional ball-striking
Lasting Impact
Considered one of golf's greatest players and swing technicians
Career Honours
- 9 Major Championships
- 1953 Triple Crown
- Comeback after 1949 car accident
- World Golf Hall of Fame
American Athletes