Hugh Royer Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hugh Royer Jr. |
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Royer in 1964
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| Personal information | |
| Full name | William Hugh Royer Jr. |
| Born | August 19, 1936 Eastman, Georgia |
| Died | September 12, 2014 (aged 78) Columbus, Georgia |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Weight | 197 lb (89 kg; 14.1 st) |
| Nationality |  United States |
| Career | |
| College | University of Georgia |
| Turned professional | 1959 |
| Former tour(s) | PGA Tour |
| Professional wins | 7 |
| Number of wins by tour | |
| PGA Tour | 1 |
| Other | 6 |
| Best results in Major Championships |
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| The Masters Tournament | DNP |
| U.S. Open | T22: 1968 |
| The Open Championship | DNP |
| PGA Championship | T48: 1970 |
William Hugh Royer Jr. (born August 19, 1936 – died September 12, 2014) was an American professional golfer. He played on the PGA Tour for many years. Royer was also a well-known golf coach.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Hugh Royer Jr. was born in Eastman, Georgia. When he was young, his family moved to Columbus, Georgia. There, he learned how to play golf from two great teachers, Fred Haskins and Charlie Harper.
He went to the University of Georgia in Athens. At college, he continued to improve his golf skills. He was coached by the famous Howell Hollis. Royer was also a talented basketball player and captain of the golf team. He earned his degree in Education in 1959.
Golf Career Highlights
Before becoming a professional, Royer had a very successful amateur career. In 1958, he won two big tournaments: the Georgia State Amateur and the Southern Amateur.
He became a professional golfer in 1959. In his very first professional event, the St. Charles Open, he won! This was a great start to his career.
PGA Tour Success
Royer played on the PGA Tour for 14 years. His biggest win was the 1970 Western Open. This tournament was considered one of the most important golf events outside of the major championships.
His best finish in a major tournament was tied for 22nd place. This happened at the 1968 U.S. Open.
Life as a Club Professional and Coach
Back then, not many golfers could afford to play on the PGA Tour full-time. So, like many pros of his time, Royer also worked as a "club pro." This means he taught golf and managed golf operations at clubs.
He was the head pro at Callaway Gardens from 1960 to 1966. Later, he worked at Bull Creek Golf Club in Columbus.
Royer was also a leader in the golf community. He served as president of the Georgia PGA. In 1983, he was named Georgia Golf Professional of the Year. He was honored for his contributions to golf by being inducted into the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame in 1989.
Coaching at Columbus State University
Royer also shared his knowledge by coaching golf at Columbus State University. As an Associate Coach, he helped the Columbus State Cougars team win five NCAA Division II national titles. This shows how much he helped young golfers succeed.
Hugh Royer Jr. lived in Columbus, Georgia. His son, Hugh Royer III, also became a professional golfer.
Amateur Wins
- 1958 Georgia State Amateur
- 1958 Southern Amateur
Professional Wins (7)
PGA Tour Wins (1)
| No. | Date | Tournament | Winning score | Margin of victory |
Runner-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jun 14, 1970 | Western Open | −11 (67-65-72-69=273) | 1 stroke |  Dale Douglass |
Other Wins (6)
- 1959 St. Charles Open
- 1963 Georgia PGA Championship
- 1964 Georgia PGA Championship
- 1968 Georgia Open
- 1983 Atlanta Open
- 1989 Georgia Senior Open
