Horton Smith, a legendary figure in the world of golf, remains a celebrated name in the sport for his incredible skill, poise, and a number of groundbreaking achievements. Smith not only left an indelible imprint on the fairway but also on the advancement of the game through his involvement in several administrative roles.
Horton Smith was born on May 22, 1908, in Springfield, Missouri. From an early age, he showed an interest in golf, a game he took up at age eleven. He turned professional at just twenty years old in 1926, rapidly demonstrating his prowess in the golfing world. Known for his finesse and tact on the golf course, Smith was often referred to as the ‘Joplin Ghost,’ a nod to his quiet, unassuming nature and his Missouri roots.
One of Smith’s most notable achievements was in 1934 when he won the inaugural Masters Tournament. The Masters, held in August, Georgia, is one of the most prestigious events in the sport, and winning it cements a golfer’s place in history. Smith stands forever enshrined in golf’s annals as the first wearer of the tournament’s coveted Green Jacket, a tradition instituted much later in 1949.
However, Smith’s victory in 1934 wasn’t a one-off. He went on to win the Masters again in 1936, cementing his status as one of the most outstanding golfers of his generation. In total, he racked up 32 victories at the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) Tour events, an impressive accomplishment in any era of the sport.
Smith had an incredibly unique swing. It wasn’t the textbook style that golf coaches would generally recommend, but it proved effective. He had a dark knack for sinking crucial putts, earning him the nickname “The Merry Mex.”
Beyond his playing career, Horton Smith made significant contributions to the world of golf. He served as the President of the PGA of America from 1952 to 1954 and was among the founders of the PGA Tour. His knowledge of the game and its intricacies made him highly valued in these roles. Smith was instrumental in abolishing the ‘Caucasian Only’ clause in PGA’s constitution in 1961, a significant move towards equal opportunities in the sport.
In 1956, Smith was diagnosed with the terminal disease, lung cancer, which unfortunately marked the end of his career. He passed away on October 15, 1963, leaving behind an incredible legacy.
Posthumously, Horton Smith registered another unique distinction. In 2013, his famed Green Jacket earned at the 1934 Masters was auctioned by the Green Jacket Auctions for over $682,000 – the highest price ever paid for a piece of golf memorabilia at the time.
In honor of Smith’s involvements and contributions, the PGA in 1965 created the Horton Smith Award, given annually to a PGA professional for outstanding and continual contributions to professional education.
His legacy is neither confined to the greens nor the trophies he won. It stretches beyond the tangible. Horton Smith embodied the spirit of the game, with his strategic play, composed demeanor, and sportsmanship. A player who left an indelible mark with his skill as well as his vision, Horton Smith remains one of the shining stars in golf’s grand history, reminding us that sporting success is calculated not merely in victories but by the paths blazed and the way the game itself is shaped for generations to follow.
In a career splayed out in a variegated fashion, Horton Smith endured, excelled, and eventually transcended the realm of being just a golfer. He remains a symbolic figure of the game’s evolution, transcending the boundary between golf’s old and modern eras with a unique grace and everlasting legacy.