Bob Goalby was born on March 14, 1929, in Illinois. He grew up in a family that had a passion for sports, with his father being a former professional baseball player. Despite this background, Goalby initially pursued a different sport - football. He attended the University of Illinois on a football scholarship, where he quickly made a name for himself as a talented athlete.
It was during his college years that Goalby discovered his love for golf. He began playing the sport in his spare time and soon realized that he had a natural talent for it. After graduating from university, he decided to pursue a career in golf and joined the professional circuit.
Goalby's career in golf took off quickly. He won his first PGA Tour in 1958 and went on to win a total of 11 Tours during his 14-year career. His crowning achievement came in 1968 when he won the prestigious Masters Tournament. This victory solidified his place as one of the top golfers of his time.
Goalby came from a family of golf enthusiasts. In fact, two of his nephews also went on to play professionally in the PGA, while another nephew became a successful golf coach at Wake Forest. His family's support and shared passion for the sport undoubtedly played a significant role in his success.
One of the most memorable moments of Goalby's career came during the 1968 Masters Tournament. He was declared the winner after his opponent, Roberto DeVicenzo, signed an incorrect scorecard. Although Goalby himself had not made the mistake, the controversy surrounding the outcome of the tournament caused a stir in the golfing world.
Despite the controversy, Goalby's legacy as a skilled and accomplished golfer remains intact. His 14-year career and 11 PGA Tour wins are a testament to his talent and dedication to the sport. He will always be remembered as a champion golfer who left a lasting impact on the world of professional golf.
Goalby had the honor of representing the U.S. Ryder Cup team alongside fellow golfer Lee Janzen. Their shared experiences on the team further solidified Goalby's reputation as a respected and admired player in the golfing community.
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