Gene Sarazen wasn’t just a golfer; he was golf. From his famous sand wedge to his iconic wins, Sarazen defined the game. His legacy was celebrated yearly at The Masters, where he was part of the ceremonial opening. “Gene Sarazen is unavoidable in the history of golf,” said Jack Nicklaus, recognizing his mark on the sport. Sarazen passed away on May 13, 1999, at 97, leaving behind a monumental legacy, including his unforgettable “shot heard ’round the world,” which helped put The Masters on the map.

This happened just a few months before Tiger Woods had added a feather to his hat. In 2000, He had an unforgettable year, capped off by an incredible feat. Woods claimed The Open Championship with an eight-stroke victory, becoming the youngest player (24) to complete the career Grand Slam. Later that year, he triumphed in the PGA Championship, winning in a dramatic three-hole playoff against Bob May. With that victory, Woods joined Ben Hogan (1953) as one of only two players to win three major championships in a single season. Hogan won all three majors except the PGA Championship that year.

Gary Player, getting nostalgic about Gene Sarazen and the conventional days of golf, posted a picture of himself with Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus, Gene Sarazen, and himself. In the caption, he wrote, “I always get a bit choked when I see a picture of the four of us together. Gene passed away just a few months before Tiger completed his at The Open in St. Andrews so there isn’t a photo of the five of us. Who will be next?” Who will be the sixth player to win a Grand Slam? Even Gary Player is looking forward to that, just like the rest of us.

While their feats were accomplished decades ago, their strategies remain relevant for modern-day golfing. 

Gene Sarazen invented modern-day wedge sand

Gene Sarazen revolutionized bunker play with his invention of a new type of sand wedge. Before this innovation, golf clubs had narrow blades, which made it difficult for golfers to consistently escape from bunkers. Sarazen, known for his creativity, designed a club that would change the game. He once shared, “I used to be the worst bunker player,” and recalled a moment of inspiration. After a flying lesson, while seated in a plane, he had an idea: what if adding a “tail” to the niblick would help the club take off out of the sand, much like the plane taking flight?

Sarazen quickly went to the hardware store to modify his club, adding a unique feature to the back of the niblick. After months of practice, the results were clear. This new design allowed the club to glide through the sand, helping golfers escape bunkers more easily. Sarazen’s original concept became the blueprint for the modern sand wedge, which was later refined. Thanks to his ingenuity, bunker play was forever changed in golf.

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