WalterHagen
Walter Hagen
Profile
Height
5'10"
Weight
180lbs
Birthday
Dec 21, 1892
Passed
October 06, 1969 (76)
Birthplace
Rochester, NY
Turned Pro
1912
Career Earnings
$15,675
Family
Walter, Jr.
Personal
Nicknamed "The Haig," he was widely considered to be the first athlete to become a millionaire. Began swinging a golf club on his family's Michigan farm at age 5. Grew up with an interest in taxidermy and stuffed birds and reptiles as a boy. By his late teens, he had received a license from the state of New York to practice taxidermy.
Was an accomplished baseball player and played semi-pro ball.
Was well known for his elegant fashion sense, both on and off the golf course. At one time, he hired a Rolls-Royce as a changing room at The Open Championship because professionals were not allowed into the clubhouse at the time.
Was also credited with adding color to his fashion on the golf course, and he favored two-toned shoes.
The trophy for the World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship, the Walter Hagen Cup, is named in his honor.
Divorced his wife, Edna Strauss in 1927.
Named Al Christie's assistant pro at Rochester CC in 1912.
In 1963, suffered through a tragedy when his 14-year-old grandson, Walter Hagen III, died following an accidental handgun shooting at the boy's home in Michigan.
Was an original member of the World Golf Hall of Fame. By his estimation, he played in 2,000 tournaments and exhibitions during his career.
In 1927, began an affiliation with Pasadena GC in St. Petersburg, site of his exhibition matches against Bobby Jones a year earlier.
Passed away in Traverse City, Mich., on October 6, 1962. Pallbearers at his funeral included Arnold Palmer, Walter Burkemo and former player and General Motors executive Al Watrous. Was interred at Holy Sepulchre Mausoleum in Southfield, Mich., buried next to his grandson.
Named first head pro at Oakland Hills CC in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., a job he held for one year in 1918.