1968 Masters champion Bob Goalby died aged 92
BELLEVILLE, IL – Robert George Goalby, better known as Bob Goalby, has became one of the most decorated players on the PGA Tour since his debut win at 1958 Greater Greensboro Open. Since then, he became main rival to top players like the Big Three (Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Arnold Palmer), Roberto De Vicenzo, Mike Souchak, Art Wall Jr. and Don January. Goalby's only major triumph, the 1968 Masters Tournament at Augusta National, saw his impeccable performance on his way to grab his only "green jacket" in his career.
However, like Palmer, Goalby had died after fighting against dangerous disease he suffered for more than 10 years. Goalby has left the golfing world with his incomparable performances from early 1960s to mid 1970s.
"Bob Goalby was a wonderful golfer but also an all-around great athlete. Most important, Bob was a great guy and good friend to Barbara and me for many years. Each time with Bob, especially Masters Champions Dinners, I enjoyed his company. Very saddened golf lost a special friend!"
“Bob Goalby was one of the true gentlemen in the game of golf, and we are deeply saddened by his passing. He demonstrated tremendous play, sportsmanship and humility in his 1968 Masters victory and has worn the Green Jacket with distinction ever since. His victory will always be remembered and celebrated at Augusta National and the Masters Tournament.”
- Bob Goalby's eleven PGA Tour win details: (bold indicates major championship)
1. 1958 Wyndham Championship (-9, two strokes over incl. Dow Finsterwald, Don January, Sam Snead and Art Wall)
2. 1960 Coral Gables Invitational (-12, one stroke over Finsterwald)
3. 1961 Genesis Invitational (-9, three strokes over Wall)
4. 1961 St. Petersburg Invitational (-23, three strokes over Ted Kroll)
5. 1962 Travelers Champiinship (-13, def. Wall in sudden-death playoff)
6. 1962 Denver Open Invitational (-3, one stroke ahead of six players incl. Wall, Fleck and Duden)
7. 1967 Farmers Insurance Open (-15, one stroke ahead of Gay Brewer)
8. 1968 Masters Tournament (-11, initially tied with Roberto De Vicenzo after 72 holes, however De Vicenzo signed an invalid scorecard which caused De Vicenzo being imposed a one stroke penalty at the 17th hole)
9. 1969 Robinson Open (-15, def. Jim Wiechers in sudden-death playoff)
10. 1970 RBC Heritage (-4, four strokes over Lanny Wadkins)
11. 1971 Bahamas National Open (-9, one stroke over George Archer)
Rest in peace, Bob Goalby (1929-2022)
Sources:
