American · Joplin, USA · Born 3 June 1945Hale Irwin is an American golfer renowned for three US Open titles across three different decades.
Hale S. Irwin was born on 3 June 1945 in Joplin, Missouri, and played college golf at the University of Colorado, where he also played cornerback and safety for the football team, before turning professional in 1968. Irwin developed into one of the finest golfers of the mid-1970s to mid-1980s, becoming one of only a handful of players in history to win three U.S. Open championships, triumphing in 1974, 1979, and a remarkable third title in 1990, when at 45 he became the oldest U.S. Open champion in history, sinking a 45-foot putt on the 72nd hole before winning in a playoff. Irwin was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1992, and enjoyed an extraordinarily successful senior career, becoming the second-winningest player in PGA Tour Champions history with 45 victories, and winning the Charles Schwab Cup twice, in 2002 and 2004. Irwin has continued to be involved in golf course architecture since largely stepping back from competition, and received the Payne Stewart Award in 2019 in recognition of his character, sportsmanship, and lasting contributions to the game.
Three-time US Open champion, oldest major winner at 45 (1990)
How They Played
Methodical, strategic player known for course management and mental toughness
Lasting Impact
One of golf's most consistent players with success across five decades
Career Honours
- US Open 1974, 1979, 1990
American Athletes