The 2022 Masters tournament starts on April 4th. Although it is four months away, the oldest living major champion, Jack Burke Jr. shares something common with the tournament on this particular day.
Jack Burke Jr. is a 98-year-old American professional golfer. Coincidently, the Masters Tournament of 2022 will begin in exactly 98 days from today. Scott Michaux, a sports journalist, found this coincidence and posted the same on his Twitter account.
9⃣8⃣ days until @TheMasters: Jackie Burke Jr, 98, is oldest living major champ: 6 years older than nearest living peers (all 92, in birth order) Bob Goalby, Dow Finsterwald & Don January. Burke has outlived every major champ, surpassing Gene Sarazen (97 years, 2 months, 17 days). pic.twitter.com/R4M4d8j5r9
— Scott Michaux (@ScottMichaux) December 30, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
In the post, Michaux also added an old and a recent photograph of Jack Burke Jr. along with some of the names of other living legends and major champions like Bob Goalby, Dow Finsterwald & Don January.
The legacy of Jack Burke Jr.
Jack Burke Jr. was born on January 29, 1923. He served for the US Marine Corps at the time of World War II. The 98-year-old living legend is not a regular old guy; he still plays golf in his free time.
Burke Jr. is the son of Jack Burke Sr., who was also a professional golfer. His wife, Robin Burke, is a former Curtis Cup captain.
Jack Burke Jr. has won 16 PGA Tours, including two majors; He won the Masters and the PGA Championship in 1956.
Jack co-founded the Champions Golf Club along with three-time Masters champion Jimmy Demaret in 1957. The Champions Golf Club has hosted many major events, including the 2020 U.S. Women’s Open, 1969 U.S. Open, 1967 Ryder Cup, 5 PGA Tour Championships, etc.
Read more: Watch John Daly Explain the Most Fu**ed Up Moment of His Career
Although Burke Jr. sold the Club to his son in 2021, he wishes to be a part of it until he dies. He still serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors and the Club will pay him an annual salary for the rest of his life.
Burke Jr. wants Tiger to leave money for him?
Jack Burke is not acquainted with many young players. But having been a club owner for so long, he knows his fair share of people; Tiger Woods is one of them.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Tiger and Jack share a locker in the Champions Club. He said in an interview that he leaves a note for Tiger to leave some money for his locker partner.
Burke is also friends with Phil Mickelson. The two became closer after Mickelson wanted help from Jack with his putting stroke.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Jack Burke Jr. is an example for his successor generations on how to live life to the fullest. He did not just live a long life, but taught us how to enjoy life by doing what we love.
Watch This Story: How Old was Phil Mickelson When He Won His First Major?
