Ben Crenshaw

Ben Crenshaw is a retired professional golfer renowned for his achievements on the PGA Tour, where he secured 19 victories, including two major championships at the Masters Tournament in 1984 and 1995. Born and raised in Austin, Texas, Crenshaw honed his skills at Austin High School before advancing to the University of Texas. There, he clinched three NCAA Championships between 1971 and 1973 and was a member of the Kappa Alpha Order fraternity. He turned professional in mid-August 1973.

In November 1973, Crenshaw became one of the few players in Tour history to win the first event of his career when he claimed the San Antonio-Texas Open. His professional journey included several significant milestones, such as five runner-up finishes in major championships before his first Masters victory in 1984. Amidst his career, he managed a health setback due to Graves' disease in the mid-1980s but continued to perform at a high level, culminating in 19 PGA Tour wins. His second Masters victory in 1995 was particularly poignant, occurring just a week after the death of his mentor, Harvey Penick.

Crenshaw's prowess extended beyond the United States, with wins like the 1976 Irish Open and notable performances at The Open Championship. His global influence in golf was also evident from his partnership with Bill Coore in Coore & Crenshaw, a successful golf course design firm, responsible for esteemed projects such as The Plantation Club at Kapalua Bay Resort and The Sand Hills Golf Club. His contributions to golf architecture and literature, including his introduction for the USGA's 1982 special edition of "The Art of Golf" by Sir Walter Simpson, underline his deep connection to the sport.

Captaining the U.S. Ryder Cup team in 1999, Crenshaw led his team to a historic comeback victory, showcasing his leadership and strategic acumen. This victory, alongside his emotional win at the "1995 Masters" and his deep knowledge of golf history, especially British golf, marks him as a celebrated figure in golf.