January 11
GENTLE BEN DAY
Texans are always ready to boast about their native sons. Well, on this date in 1952, another soon-to-be-famous Texan was born. Ben D. Crenshaw came into the world at Austin, Texas. As he grew up, he took naturally to the game of golf, winning the NCAA golf championship in 1971 and 1973 while a student at the University of Texas. What happened to 1972, you wonder? Ben won that, too; but he had to share the title with his classmate, Tom Kite. They tied. (Ben Crenshaw was the first to hold three individual titles in amateur golf. He has shared that honor since 1992.)
Following graduation, Crenshaw qualified for the PGA Tour. He didn’t just qualify; he won the competition by 12 strokes, and shot a 30 on the last nine holes! And he won his first venture into professional golf -- the Texas Open.
Ben Crenshaw was on his way to a spectacular career -- or was he? The critics didn’t think so. Although Ben was winning tournaments and big money, he hadn’t won a major event. In the 1975 U.S. Open, at the 71st hole, he hit his tee shot into the water and lost his chance at the title. In 1978, the 71st hole was his downfall once again when he took a double bogey in the British Open. The following year, the PGA championship eluded Crenshaw, too. He was tied with David Graham for the title but lost on the third hole of the playoff. Just bad luck? Crenshaw called the critics bluff.
In 1984 Ben took home the Masters Championship title. The champion golfer, a truly gentle man and a gentleman said, “This is really a sweet, sweet win. I don’t think there will ever be a sweeter moment.”
Those Were the Days, the Today in History service from 440 International
No portion of these files may be reproduced without the express, written permission of 440 International Inc.
