Golf World Mourns the Passing of 11-Time PGA Tour Winner Bob Goalby

On January 20, the golf world lost an icon as 92-year-old Bob Goalby passed away. While Goalby was remembered for his 1968 Masters win and the controversy around it, there are many other things he has achieved over the years. Fans, the tour, and the media have been remembering Goalby, appreciating his game and love for the same.

While the 1968 Masters are often remembered, Goalby’s game during the event was also worth noting. Roberto DeVicenzo’s scoreboard error ended up overshadowing much else, including Goalby’s win.

DeVicenzo shot 65 at the 71st hole but ended up making an at the 17th hole by writing a ‘4’. His final score was a round of 66, one hind Goalby. This prevented a playoff as nothing could be done about the mistake.

Fans celebrate Bob Goalby, and his 1968 Masters win

“68 Masters champion Bob Goalby passed today @ 92. Forgotten in the De Vicenzo scorecard flap is that Goalby hit 2 of the finest long iron shots in major history,” wrote Golf Channel’s Rich Lerner. “Jones called his 3 iron to 15 to set up eagle the best he’d ever seen at that hole. 2 iron to 18 just as good. RIP”. 

Additionally, he had birdies at Hole No. 13 (par-5), and Hole No. 14 (par-4), finishing with a score of 11-under 277.

Naturally, dedicated golf fans had a strong reaction to this. “Roberto’s mistake only prevented a playoff,” said one fan. “If he corrects his card, you have a playoff, and who’s to say Goalby would not have won that?”. On the other hand, many noted that he played 18 with a 2-iron – an indication of how times have changed.

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People spoke about how Goalby will be missed, some even sharing a few times they met him. Everyone always maintained that the 11-time PGA Tour winner was a humble man and the real deal.

Unfortunately, there was not much Goalby could do about the rules either. “I had no say in it,” Goalby said. “I told Roberto, ‘I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.’ But it wasn’t up to me to change the rules.”

Many appreciated him for how he played with the 2-iron, and that they cherish theirs. “My father caddied for him in the 1962 PGA where I think he came in second. Said he was a very tough competitor!” wrote another fan.

More about Goalby and his golf career

Goalby turned pro when he was 23, working at a club till some time in 1957. He was teeing up in numerous tournaments, playing in 481 events from 1958 to 1974. The Greater Greensboro Open in 1958 was his first win.

As per the PGA Tour, 1962 can be seen as the best year of Goalby’s career. He won the Insurance City Open and Denver Invitational, while also recording 17 top-10s – including two No. 2 finishes. This earned him a spot on the Ryder Cup team in 1963. It was Goalby’s only appearance at the iconic event with Arnold Palmer as his captain.