Death of a Golf Legend

Jackie Burke, Jr.

This week golf lost one of its all-time greats, Jackie Burke, Jr. Many of you may never have heard of Jackie Burke. His playing career was over-shadowed by Hogan, Snead and Nelson. His teaching was not as celebrated as others of his era such as Toski, Penick, Flick and Merrins. Yet, Jackie Burke, Jr. is a legendary figure in golf. I never met him, but I wished I had the pleasure. There was no one I admired more from a distance than Jackie Burke, Jr.

Jackie Burke, Jr. passed away January 19 at age 100, ten days short of his 101st birthday. If there was a perfect golf life, it may have been the life Burke lived.

Born January 29, 1923, his father, Jack Burke, Sr., was a teaching professional. He started learning the game at age 7 by using a 4-iron for every shot. His father had him work as a caddie teaching him his amazing work ethic.

Following high school, he spent four years in the Marines followed by a brief stint in the Texas oil fields. His first professional job was at Hollywood CC in Deal, NJ before moving to serve as an assistant pro at Winged Foot under the legendary pro Claude Harmon. He eventually became the head professional at Metropolis CC in White Plains, NY.

Back in those days, tour professionals were also club professionals. For instance, Ben Hogan was the head professional at a famous country club near me, Hershey CC. Burke was also an accomplished tour player, beyond his club professional career, amassing 16 tour victories, 2 majors (‘56 Masters and PGA Championship), five Ryder Cups (7-1 record), a Vardon Trophy for lowest scoring average (‘52) and Player of the Year in ‘56. At the age of 33, he retired from competitive golf. He also captained the winning US Ryder Cup team in ‘73.

In 1957, he and good friend Jimmy Demaret co-founded Champions Golf Club in Houston, a 36-hole club which attracted many high-level amateurs. Champions has hosted several major events: ‘69 US Open, ‘67 Ryder Cup, ‘93 US Amateur, ‘20 US Women’s Open and five Tour Championships.

A ‘00 inductee into the World Golf Hall of Fame, Burke also was honored in ‘04 with the Bob Jones Award from the USGA, the highest honor afforded an individual who demonstrates the spirit and sportsmanship of its namesake.

When the host of the ‘17 US Women’s Mid-Am, Quail Creek in Naples, FL, suffered hurricane damage, Burke offered Champions as the substitute host for the event. Despite suffering damage from Hurricane Harvey in August of that year, Champions was ready to go in time for the tournament.

The charismatic Burke was always holding court and was never shy to share an opinion. He understood the game as well as anyone who has ever played it. He loved to teach, and he played the game well into his 90’s. Without a doubt, Jackie Burke, Jr. was a true Texas gentleman, and one the all-time greats in the world of golf. Golf is a better game, and the world is a better place because of Jackie Burke, Jr.