Born on March 14, 1929, in Belleville, Illinois, Bob Goalby is a name that’s synonymous with golf history. An essential contributor to the fabric of professional golf, Goalby is not just known for his talent on the green, but also for his influence off it. A gentleman of the game, he has etched an indelible legacy that continues to inspire forthcoming generations.
As a child, Goalby first picked up a golf club while working as a caddy to support his family during the tumult of the Great Depression. This early exposure to the game aided in Goalby’s successful career playing for his high school and later, for the University of Illinois. He turned professional in 1952, and over the following 16 years, he played in numerous tournaments, winning 11 PGA Tour events.
However, it is the 1968 Masters Tournament that sealed his reputation. This was a defining moment as well as one of the most controversial episodes in golf history. Goalby was declared the winner after his opponent, Argentinian golfer Roberto De Vicenzo, mistakenly signed an incorrect scorecard, giving Goalby the win by a single stroke. Despite the controversy, it’s undeniable that Goalby demonstrated an impressive performance throughout the tournament.
Goalby’s strength, both as an individual and a player, was vividly exemplified during this situation. He received his green jacket in less than triumphant circumstances, yet handled it with grace and humility. This incident didn’t put a damper on his successful career, nor did it define it. Instead, the episode emphasized the sportsmanship, competitiveness, and decorum which Goalby carried throughout his entire career.
Beyond his performance on the green, Goalby is also known for his distinct, smooth swing. Often discussed amongst golf enthusiasts, his swing was a notable combination of control and power, a perfect blend of finesse and force. Over the years, many players have tried to emulate his style, aiming for the calculated aggression that compacted his approach shots and the authority that drove his putts.
Off the course, Goalby has had an equally significant impact on the world of golf. After retiring from the competitive fray in 1971, he embarked on a career as a golf commentator for CBS Sports. For the next 22 years, he became a household name, welcomed into millions of homes and admired for his deep knowledge of the game, sharp insights, and his calm, reassuring voice.
Goalby also made a significant contribution to older professional players when he co-founded the PGA Tour Champions, previously known as the Senior PGA Tour, in 1980. This enabled veterans of the sport to continue displaying their talent and passion and paved the way for retired golfing greats to contribute their wisdom and experience to the game.
Despite being over 90 now, Goalby maintains his close connection to golf. He is often seen cheering on his nephew, Jay Haas, another professional golfer, and his great-nephew, Bill Haas, a six-time PGA Tour winner.
In summary, Bob Goalby’s golfing career, spanning multiple decades, is remarkable not just for his skillful play or his Masters win, but also his enduring off-course contributions. His exploits, both on and off the green, have served the sport of golf well, encouraging a new generation of golfers while establishing an enduring legacy for the gentleman golfer from Belleville, Illinois. Indeed, Bob Goalby’s story is one of resilience, dedication, controversy, and ultimately, triumph. For these reasons and more, he remains a celebrated figure in the annals of golf history.