Born into the rich heritage of Augusta, Georgia, Larry Mize hardly requires an introduction to an avid golf fan. This accomplished golfer and Masters champion has indeed navigated his way through the greens and fairways of golf history, leaving an indelible mark that continues to resonate.
Lawrence Hogan Mize, popularly known as Larry Mize, was born on September 23, 1958. He turned professional in 1980, soon discovering that his golfing path would be paved with wild swings of fortune, twisting fairways of challenges, and uphill putts of sheer determination. One would be remiss discussing Mize’s career without highlighting his legendary chipping shot during the 1987 Masters Championship. This chip, a 140-feet stroke that sealed his victory against Greg Norman and Severiano Ballesteros, sent shockwaves through the golfing world and stands etched in the annals of golf’s greatest moments.
Mize’s course to victory at the 1987 Masters was hard-earned. Known for his steady drives and unfaltering putts, it’s his soft touch around the greens and precision with chip shots that golf purists applauded. It was these weapons in his arsenal that helped him achieve this landmark victory.
Mize attended Georgia Tech, steeped in the surreal beauty of Atlanta, solving complex equations and science while nurturing his dream to become a professional golfer. By the time he hit the fairways of his final academic year in 1979, he had already won the 1979 Southeastern Amateur and the 1980 Porter Cup. Mize’s golfing prowess was apparent from the onset, and he was well on his way to a successful professional career.
Fame and fortune didn’t arrive overnight for Larry Mize. After turning professional in 1980, he spent the subsequent years honing his skills on the ‘Tournament Players Series,’ an offshoot of the PGA Tour. The budding golfer won his first title in 1983 at the Danny Thomas Memphis Classic, opening the floodgates for a string of accomplishments, including four PGA Tour titles in 1983, 1987, 1993, and 1994.
Mize, despite his early career highs, also experienced the roughs of golfing disparity. After his fearless form in the late 80s and early 90s, he faced a period of decline that saw him losing his tour card following the 2000 season. But, as is the rule in sports and life, setbacks only make comeback stories more inspiring. Mize recovered his form and continued playing significant tournaments on invitation, with noteworthy performances enough to regain his tour card.
Larry Mize spent much of his ripe career playing on the Champions Tour (now known as the PGA Tour Champions). His tenacity and perseverance, along with his precision around the greens, have seen him hold his own amongst the top players on the senior circuit.
Just like his golfing journey, Mize’s personal life is marked by grace and humility. Happily married to Bonnie, with three children, Mize is not just a golfer but a man who values family. He has been found speaking about his faith numerous times and credits it for his approach to golf and life.
To this day, Mize continues to inspire and influence the world of golf. He shares his knowledge as a golf analyst, providing unique insights into the game, fortifying his legacy far beyond his days on the course.
In retrospect, Larry Mize’s brush strokes over the canvas of golf are an eloquent reminder that the sport is as much about grace under pressure as it is about drive distance and scoring averages. Mize’s journey bears testament to the game’s unpredictable nature, reinforcing that intrinsic invitation for glory, burnished by the charm of trials and triumphs. Yes, golf is uncompromising, but it also offers redemption – and Larry Mize has embodied this truth throughout his career. His story is a testament to the world of golf, embodying spirit, humility, and sheer tenacity.