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Bobby Locke

Golfer Bobby Locke

Profession: Golfer

Nationality:
South Africa
South African

Biography: Bobby Locke was a South African professional golfer. He is considered one of the all-time greats of the sport with 74 professional wins, and was one of the first international superstars of the game.

Locke won the South African Open in 1935 as an amateur, then turned professional in 1938 at the age of 20. At this point, his budding golf career was interrupted by World War II, in which he served with the South African Air Force.

Following World War II, Locke returned to his golfing career in South Africa and then went to the United States to play in 1947. During the 1947 American tour he won six tournaments. He then went on to a successful career in Europe and Africa.

Born: November 20, 1917
Birthplace: Germiston, South Africa

Generation: Greatest Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Snake
Star Sign: Scorpio

Died: March 9, 1987 (aged 69)
Cause of Death: Meningitis

Historical Events

  • 1946-07-05 British Open Men's Golf, St Andrews: In first post-WWII Championship, Sam Snead wins his only Open title, 4 strokes clear of runners-up Johnny Bulla & Bobby Locke
  • 1948-02-29 Lawson Little earns his first tournament victory since his US Navy discharge capturing the St. Petersburg Open by 3 strokes over Bobby Locke; last golfer to win a PGA Tour event on Leap Year Day
  • 1949-07-09 British Open Men's Golf, Royal St.George's GC: South African Bobby Locke wins a 36-hole playoff by 12 strokes from Irishman Harry Bradshaw
  • 1950-07-07 British Open Men's Golf, Royal Troon: Bobby Locke of South Africa retains title by 2 strokes from Roberto De Vicenzo of Argentina
  • 1952-07-11 British Open Men's Golf, Royal Lytham & St Annes GC: 3 titles in 4 years for Bobby Locke of South Africa beating Australian Peter Thomson by a stroke
  • 1954-07-09 British Open Men's Golf, Royal Birkdale GC: 23-year-old Australian Peter Thomson wins first of his 5 Open titles by a stroke from Bobby Locke, Dai Rees, and Syd Scott
  • 1957-07-05 British Open Men's Golf, St Andrews: South African Bobby Locke wins his 4th Open by 3 strokes from defending champion Peter Thomson of Australia

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