A Masters Memory
I think back to Sunday April 10, 1960 - a day I will never forget. I was a 15 year old aspiring young golfer and was just settling in with about 10 of my friends to watch the final round of the Masters. I was in a room adjacent to the pro shop at Harding Park Golf Course in San Francisco. Sitting next to me on my right was Fred Venturi - the head pro at Harding Park and the father of Ken Venturi.
As the tournament unfolded, the drama became almost unbearable. Ken Venturi was the leader in the clubhouse by 1 shot over Arnold Palmer, who had 2 holes yet to play. Venturi appeared the likely winner of the Masters.
When Palmer birdied #17, I looked at Fred. He didn't say a word - just stared straight ahead. Palmer then hit his second shot on #18 about five feet from the hole. As he put a stroke on the five footer to win the Masters, I looked into Fred's eyes as the ball rolled toward the cup. When it went in, Fred didn't even blink. He was silent for a few moments, excused himself, and walked out the door.
A golfing moment that has stayed with me all these 47 years!
Jim Hayden
Golf Historian
San Francisco Native
Long time co-director of the San Francisco Junior Golf Championship Former Member of Santa Clara University Golf Team
Former Champion, East Bay Junior Golf Championship
