He is the oldest living Masters champion and turns 100 this weekend.
Jack Burke, Jr., is the oldest PGA Championship winner, and he will reach the century mark Sunday, January 29, 2023.
Gene Sarazen, 1935 Masters champion, lived to 97 and 3 months. Byron Nelson lived to 94, while Doug Ford was 95 when he died in 2018. Burke lived longer than any of them, and even though the 1956 Masters winner has not returned to Augusta National in 11 years, his accomplishments are still etched in his memory.
His Masters win occurred during the 20th play of the event, the first to be televised. However, CBS cameras were not on holes 15, 16, 17, and 18 from Friday through Sunday.
His victory was notable for the fact that he won despite being eight shots behind. This is the greatest comeback in Masters history.
After 36 holes, Amateur Ken Venturi led the tournament by four strokes. Burke was up eight shots. Burke was still eight shots behind after 54 holes. Burke would win by one shot, and his 1-over final tied for the best Augusta National score.
Take a look at some photos from Jackie Burke’s years.
This story was contributed by Doug Stutsman of the Augusta Chronicle.
