This week, the world of golf lost an absolute legend in the sport as Don January has died at the age of 93 years old, the PGA Tour announced on Sunday.
January member of two victorious U.S. Ryder Cup teams (1965 and 1977) and was the winner of the 1967 PGA championship which is perhaps his best-known victory. His only major win came at the Columbine Country Club in Denver when he tied Don Massengale at the end of regulation play and shot a 69 to beat him by two shots in an 18-hole playoff the following day.
A native of Texas, January won four straight NCAA Division I titles (1949-52) as a member of the North Texas University men’s golf team. After serving in the Air Force, he turned professional and embarked on a successful career. He won 1o times on the PGA Tour and was a runner-up 17 times. In 1976, he secured the Vardon Trophy for lowest scoring average, at the age of 47.
January had a lot of success on the PGA Tour Champions after turning 50. He won 22 events, which included two PGA Seniors’ Championships. His last victory came in 1987.
Those in the golf world mourned the death of January on social media:
We are saddened to hear of golf legend Don January's passing. 🤍He is an icon in the sport who will be fondly remembered for his passion for the game and his mentorship. #GolfLegend
🔗: https://t.co/NZBcjhvZYC pic.twitter.com/NP01FZOjCI
— Texas Sports Hall of Fame (@TXSportsHOF) May 8, 2023
A genuinely nice human being with a beautiful golf swing back in the good ole days when 265, off the tee, was long, woods were made out of wood, blade irons that started with the 2-iron & balata golf balls. RIP Don January
— Bud Fry (@BudFry65) May 8, 2023
R.I.P. Don January, 93, winner of 1967 PGA Championship in playoff. Lost 1961 PGA at Olympia Fields to Jerry Barber in playoff. Won first tournament on Senior Tour in 1980. Better, one of golf’s great gentlemen.
— Illinois Golfer (@IllinoisGolfer) May 8, 2023
Don January passed today….what an outstanding player and man….I loved the guy #smooth
— mark lye (@letitflye) May 7, 2023
Rest In Peace Don January pic.twitter.com/DH55lsfmz0
— Northern Texas PGA (@NTXPGA) May 7, 2023
Another legend in the game gone #RIP ⛳️ https://t.co/lEydeNDcTe
— Norm Devine 🇨🇦 🏌 (@NormDevine) May 7, 2023
The greatest golfer in North Texas history, may he rest in peace https://t.co/EiX5uPQJi8
— Eternal Star 2401 (@EternalStar2401) May 7, 2023
Extremely sad to hear about Don’s passing. Don is a UNT legend who continued to represent and support his Mean Green teammates in so many ways throughout his life. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this difficult time. @UNTsocial
— Jared Mosley (@mosleyj22) May 7, 2023
[PGA Tour]
About Sam Neumann
Since the beginning of 2023, Sam has been a staff writer for Awful Announcing and The Comeback. A 2021 graduate of Temple University, Sam is a Charlotte native, who currently calls Greenville, South Carolina his home. He also has a love/hate relationship with the New York Mets and Jets.