Dan January: Dan January, who won 10 PGA Tour events, including a major, died Sunday, his son Tim January confirmed. He is 93 years old. “He just ran out of gas,” said young January, whose father suffers from emphysema.
Don January is an American professional golfer who won the 1967 PGA Championship. Born in Plainview, Texas, on November 29, 1929, January started playing golf at the age of six. He went on to become one of the most successful golfers of his time, winning 10 PGA Tour titles and 10 Senior PGA Tour titles.
January began his golf career in 1947 as a caddie in his hometown of Plainview, Texas. He played golf for the first time when he was 18 years old and quickly fell in love with the game. January turned pro in 1951 and joined the PGA Tour in 1953. His first win on the tour came in 1956 when he won the Texas Open. He went on to win nine more times on the tour, including the 1967 PGA Championship.
The 1967 PGA Championship was held at Columbine Country Club in Denver, Colorado. January was not considered a favorite to win the tournament, but he played some of the best golf of his career to take home the trophy. He shot a final round 68 to finish at 281, one stroke ahead of runner-up Don Massengale.
January’s win at the 1967 PGA Championship was one of the most significant victories of his career. It was his first major championship win and helped establish him as one of the top golfers in the world. He went on to win several more tournaments on the PGA Tour, including the 1968 and 1974 Tournament of Champions.
In addition to his success on the PGA Tour, January was also a dominant player on the Senior PGA Tour. He won 10 Senior PGA Tour titles, including the 1989 US Senior Open. January’s success on the Senior Tour led him to be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2002.
January was known for his consistent play and accuracy off the tee. He was also a skilled putter, which helped him win many of his tournaments. January was often described as one of the most underrated players of his time, but his impressive record speaks for itself.
January retired from competitive golf in 1990 but continued to be involved in the sport as a commentator and golf course designer. He was inducted into the Texas Golf Hall of Fame in 1977 and the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in 1995.
In addition to his success on the course, January was also known for his charitable work. He was a founding member of the Senior PGA Tour’s B.C. Open, which raised money for local charities. January also served on the board of directors for the PGA Tour’s charitable foundation and was involved in several other charitable organizations throughout his life.
Don January’s career was a testament to his hard work, dedication, and passion for the game of golf. His 1967 PGA Championship win was just one of many highlights of his illustrious career. January’s legacy continues to inspire new generations of golfers and serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and commitment in achieving success.
