Errie Ball facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Errie Ball |
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Ball, c. 2006
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| Personal information | |
| Full name | Samuel Henry Ball |
| Born | November 14, 1910 Bangor, Wales, UK |
| Died | July 2, 2014 (aged 103) Stuart, Florida, US |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) |
| Weight | 145 lb (66 kg; 10.4 st) |
| Nationality |  Wales United States |
| Spouse | Maxwell "Maxie" Wright |
| Career | |
| Status | Professional |
| Professional wins | 11 |
| Best results in Major Championships |
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| The Masters Tournament | T38: 1934 |
| U.S. Open | T22: 1956 |
| The Open Championship | T23: 1936 |
| PGA Championship | T9: 1948 |
| Achievements and awards | |
| PGA Hall of Fame | 2011 |
| Illinois Golf Hall of Fame | 1990 |
Samuel Henry "Errie" Ball (born November 14, 1910 – died July 2, 2014) was a famous professional golfer from Wales and America. He made history by playing in the very first Masters Tournament in 1934. This important golf event is held every year in Augusta, Georgia.
Errie Ball was the last person alive who played in that first Masters tournament. He lived to be 103 years old, which is a very long life! His career in golf was long and successful, making him a respected figure in the sport.
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Early Life and His Unique Name
Errie Ball was born in Bangor, Wales, in 1910. His real first name was Samuel Henry. But he got his special nickname "Errie" from his family's French maid.
She had trouble saying "Henry," so she started calling him "Errie." He liked the name and used it for the rest of his life. He once said he wouldn't even turn around if someone called him Sam!
Meeting Golf Legend Bobby Jones
Errie's connection to another golf legend, Bobby Jones, started early. They met in 1930 at The Open Championship in England. Jones was a very famous golfer who won many major tournaments.
Their friendship continued when Errie first arrived in America. This was on September 27, 1930. It was the same day Bobby Jones completed his amazing "Grand Slam" in golf. This means Jones won all four major golf championships in one year.
Errie Ball's Golf Career
Errie Ball's first job in golf was working for his uncle, Frank Ball. His uncle was a professional golfer at the East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta. Errie later worked with George Sargent, who became the president of the PGA of America.
In 1933, Errie received a special letter from Bobby Jones. This letter helped him get his first job as a head professional golfer. He started working at the Mobile Country Club in Alabama.
Staying Competitive for Years
Errie Ball was a talented golfer who stayed competitive for a long time. Even when he was 47 years old, he still played well. In the 1958 PGA Championship, he finished in a tie for 33rd place. This shows how skilled he was, even later in his career.
Errie worked as the head professional at the Oak Park Country Club in Chicago, Illinois, for many years. During the winter, he worked at the Tucson Country Club in Tucson, Arizona. He was there for 14 years, from 1951 to 1965. The club president even said it would be hard to find someone to replace him.
Awards and Recognition
Errie Ball received many honors for his contributions to golf. In 1990, he was inducted into the Illinois Golf Hall of Fame. This award recognized his achievements and impact on golf in Illinois.
He continued to give golf lessons even when he was very old. In 2010, he celebrated his 100th birthday at the Willoughby Golf Club in Stuart, Florida. Golfweek magazine wrote a story about this special event. In 2011, Errie Ball was also inducted into the PGA Hall of Fame. This is a very high honor for a professional golfer.
Death and Lasting Legacy
Errie Ball passed away on July 2, 2014, at the age of 103. He died in Stuart, Florida, surrounded by his family. He was the last person from the original 1934 Masters tournament field.
He was also the oldest and longest-serving member of the PGA of America. Errie Ball left behind a great legacy in golf. He is remembered for his long career, his skill, and his unique connection to the sport's history.
Tournament Wins
Errie Ball won several golf tournaments during his career. Here are some of his notable victories:
- 1931 Southeastern Section PGA Championship
- 1932 Atlanta Open
- 1949 Illinois PGA Championship
- 1951 Arizona PGA
- 1952 Arizona PGA
- 1953 Illinois Open Championship
- 1954 Arizona Open
- 1955 Illinois PGA Match Play Championship, Illinois PGA Championship
- 1965 Illinois PGA Championship
- Illinois PGA Senior Championship
