American · Harrison, USA · Born 27 February 1902American golfing pioneer who invented the sand wedge and was the first player to win all four modern major championships, a showman whose skills and personality shaped the professional game's early identity.
Gene Sarazen was one of golf's original legends, a pioneer who won all four Major championships and invented the sand wedge. His double eagle (or 'shot heard round the world') at Augusta's 15th hole in the 1935 Masters is considered the most famous shot in golf history. Sarazen's contribution to the game, both on and off the course, helped shape modern golf as it is played today. Sarazen's 1935 double eagle completed the first-ever career Grand Slam in golf, and he remained an ambassador for the sport for decades afterward, famously returning to Augusta to hit ceremonial opening tee shots well into his nineties alongside fellow legends Byron Nelson and Sam Snead.
Double eagle at 1935 Masters, inventing sand wedge
How They Played
Aggressive shot-maker, excellent short game specialist
Lasting Impact
One of golf's greatest players, completed career Grand Slam
Career Honours
- US Open 1922
- PGA Championship 1922
- PGA Championship 1923
- US Open 1932
- The Open Championship 1932
- The Masters 1935
- PGA Championship 1933
- Ryder Cup team member 1927
- Ryder Cup team member 1929
- Ryder Cup team member 1931
- Ryder Cup team member 1933
- Ryder Cup team member 1935
- Ryder Cup team member 1937
- World Golf Hall of Fame inductee 1974
American Athletes