Oldest Living Masters Champion, Jack Burke Jr, Passes Away at 100

A Legendary Golfer Remembered for His Remarkable Accomplishments

Jack Burke Jr, the oldest living Masters champion, has sadly passed away at the age of 100. The American golfing legend, who was just 10 days away from celebrating his next birthday, died on Friday morning in Houston. His death has left the golfing community in mourning.

Burke, inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2000, had an illustrious career that spanned over a decade. He won a total of 16 PGA Tour events between 1950 and 1963, including both the Masters and the PGA Championship in 1956. Remarkably, only two other golfers, Sam Snead and Jack Nicklaus, have achieved this feat of winning both prestigious tournaments in the same year.

However, it was Burke’s incredible comeback in the Masters that truly etched his name in golfing history. He achieved the largest comeback in Masters history when he overcame an eight-stroke deficit in the final round to defeat Ken Venturi.

Apart from his playing career, Burke also made significant contributions to the world of golf. In 1957, he co-founded the Champions Golf Club in Houston, alongside fellow Masters champion Jimmy Demaret. The club has since hosted numerous important events, including the Ryder Cup, the US Open, the US Women’s Open, and the Tour Championship.

Not only was Burke a remarkable golfer, but he was also passionate about teaching the game. After retiring from professional golf, he dedicated himself to mentoring and helping other players. His willingness to share his knowledge and insights earned him legendary status in the golfing community.

PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan expressed his condolences, saying, “Jackie Burke was a true Hall of Famer who will always be remembered for the style and grace with which he played the game and ran Champions Golf Club. It’s hard to measure the impact he had on the game, and his willingness to mentor and help players is legendary. I’ve admired Jackie and all he has meant to professional golf, and we mourn his death and send our condolences to his family.”

Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament, Fred Ridley, also paid tribute to Burke, calling him a great friend and stating that his memory will always be celebrated at Augusta National and the Masters.

PGA champion Hal Sutton, who had the privilege of receiving golf lessons from Burke, shared his thoughts on the golfing legend. “I went to see him last Friday, and he did what he did best, giving me golf lessons and life lessons… He lived a productive life. This is a celebration of his life more than anything.”

The golfing world has lost a true legend with the passing of Jack Burke Jr. He will be remembered for his remarkable accomplishments, his passion for teaching the game, and the impact he had on professional golf. While his cause of death is unknown, his memory will forever live on in the hearts of golf enthusiasts worldwide.

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