American · Bellingham, USA · Born 24 June 1931 · Died 2015-02-07American golfer who quietly amassed 51 PGA Tour wins and 3 majors, plus a record 8 Ryder Cup appearances.
William Earl Casper Jr. was born on 24 June 1931 in San Diego, California, and began his golfing life as a caddie, emerging from the city's fertile junior golf scene where year-round play was possible, alongside fellow San Diegan and lifelong friendly rival Gene Littler. Casper, nicknamed "Buffalo Bill," turned professional in 1954 after attending the University of Notre Dame, and developed into one of the most prolific winners in PGA Tour history, renowned for an exceptional short game and deadly putting touch that made him one of the most efficient scorers of his era. Casper won three major championships — the U.S. Open in both 1959 and 1966, and the Masters in 1970 — and finished his career with 51 PGA Tour victories, the seventh-most in history, winning the Vardon Trophy for lowest scoring average a remarkable five times. Casper was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1978, and raised 11 children with his wife, Shirley, several of whom he adopted from various countries as part of the couple's deep Mormon faith. He died on 7 February 2015, at age 83, in Springville, Utah, remembered as one of the most technically excellent and consistently dominant players of the pre-modern PGA Tour era.
3-time major champion; underrated all-time PGA Tour win leader (51 wins)
How They Played
Methodical approach with legendary putting touch and strong short game
Lasting Impact
One of golf's greatest putters and most consistent players of the 1960s-70s
Career Honours
- 3 Major Championships
- 8x Ryder Cup team member
- 2x PGA Player of Year
- World Golf Hall of Fame
American Athletes