Phil Rodgers facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Phil Rodgers |
|
|---|---|
| Personal information | |
| Born | April 3, 1938 San Diego, California, U.S. |
| Died | June 26, 2018 (aged 80) San Diego, California, U.S. |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) |
| Weight | 175 lb (79 kg; 12.5 st) |
| Nationality |  United States |
| Career | |
| College | University of Houston |
| Turned professional | 1961 |
| Former tour(s) | PGA Tour Senior PGA Tour |
| Professional wins | 6 |
| Number of wins by tour | |
| PGA Tour | 5 |
| Other | 1 |
| Best results in Major Championships |
|
| The Masters Tournament | T7: 1974 |
| U.S. Open | T3: 1962 |
| The Open Championship | 2nd: 1963 |
| PGA Championship | T7: 1972 |
Phil Rodgers (born April 3, 1938 – died June 26, 2018) was a talented American professional golfer. He was known for his amazing short game skills. He won several big tournaments during his career. Later, he became a famous golf teacher.
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Early Life and College Golf
Phil Rodgers was born in San Diego, California. He loved golf from a young age. He went to the University of Houston. While there, he played college golf.
In 1958, he won the NCAA Division I Men's Golf Championships. This is a huge college golf tournament. After this win, he was named one of the best college golfers in the country. He was on the 1958 All-American golf team. This team included future golf stars like Al Geiberger and Bobby Nichols. It also included Masters Tournament winner, Tommy Aaron.
Becoming a Professional Golfer
Before turning professional, Phil Rodgers served in the Marine Corps. He was so good at golf that he even played in military tournaments. He was even pulled out of basic training to compete!
In 1961, he officially became a professional golfer. He quickly started making a name for himself. He won an "unofficial" tournament called the Sahara Pro-Am in Las Vegas.
First PGA Tour Wins
Phil Rodgers started his first full year on the PGA Tour in 1962. His first big win was the Los Angeles Open. He shot an amazing 9-under-par 62 in the final round. This helped him win the championship by 9 strokes!
He won five times on the PGA Tour in the 1960s. His wins included the Tucson Open Invitational in 1962. He also won the Texas Open Invitational in 1963. Later, he won the Doral Open Invitational and the Buick Open Invitational in 1966.
Close Calls in Major Championships
Phil Rodgers came very close to winning major golf tournaments. These are the biggest events in golf.
In 1963, he played in The Open Championship. He lost in a 36-hole playoff to Bob Charles. A playoff is like overtime in other sports.
He also had a tough loss at the 1962 U.S. Open. He was playing very well. But he had a few difficult holes that cost him the lead. He ended up finishing third. The famous golfers Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus tied for first. Nicklaus then won the playoff.
Overall, Phil Rodgers had some great finishes in major championships. He finished 2nd at The Open Championship. He placed 3rd at the U.S. Open. He also finished in the top 10 at the Masters Tournament and the PGA Championship.
Golf Instructor and Legacy
After his time on the main PGA Tour, Phil Rodgers played on the Senior PGA Tour. But he became even more famous as a golf teacher. He was especially good at teaching the "short game." This means shots around the green, like chipping and putting.
One of his most famous students was Jack Nicklaus. Nicklaus is one of the greatest golfers ever. He said that Phil Rodgers taught him how to play better wedge shots. This helped Nicklaus win his fourth U.S. Open in 1980.
For many years, Golf Magazine listed Phil Rodgers as one of the top 100 golf teachers. He helped many golfers improve their game.
Phil Rodgers passed away in San Diego on June 26, 2018. He was 80 years old. He is remembered as a great golfer and a fantastic teacher.
