Former golfer Jack Burke died on Friday at the age of 100. The American was world champion in his sport in the 1950s.
Burke won the Masters in 1956. The Augusta Championship is considered the most important title a golfer can win. The winner will then wear a distinctive green jacket.
The player can then keep this jacket in a private locker at Augusta National Golf Club. Burke shared this locker with golf icon and compatriot Tiger Woods, who won the tournament five times.
At 100 years old, Burke was the oldest living Masters winner. In 1956 he was also the best at the prestigious PGA Championship.
“A man with a sense of humor and love for his country”
“Burke was a Masters champion, PGA champion, and founder of Champions Golf Club in Houston,” the World Golf Hall of Famer wrote on the X website.
“And much more than that, he was a champion golfer, and a man who dedicated his heart and soul to welcoming new people to the sport. His sense of humor, love of his country and generous spirit will be missed by all.”
After his professional career, Burke focused, among other things, on coaching. He has helped many golf stars putt, including two-time Masters winner Phil Mickelson.
“Professional reader. Award-winning gamer. Zombie buff. Social media junkie. Bacon maven. Web scholar.”