Ben Hogan

William Ben Hogan was born on August 13, 1912, in Stephenville, Texas. Hogan would go on to become one of the most renowned golfers in history, praised for his swing mechanics and mental focus on the course. His upbringing in Texas played a significant role in shaping his resilience and character, which he would later display throughout his professional golfing career. Once lefty by inclination, he taught himself to play right-handed.

On February 2, 1949, Ben Hogan and his wife Valerie survived a head-on collision with a Greyhound bus in Texas. Hogan threw himself across his wife to protect her, resulting in multiple serious injuries, including a double fracture of the pelvis, a fractured collarbone, a left ankle fracture, a chipped rib, and near-fatal blood clots. Doctors were uncertain if he would ever walk again, let alone play golf.

Despite being nearly crippled from the accident a year prior, Ben Hogan made a triumphant return to golf. On June 11, 1950, he won the U.S. Open at Merion Golf Club in a dramatic 18-hole playoff against Lloyd Mangrum and George Fazio. This victory is often referred to as 'The Miracle at Merion' and is a testament to Hogan's determination and skill, marking one of the greatest comebacks in sports history.

In 1953, Ben Hogan achieved the incredible feat of winning the Masters, the U.S. Open, and the British Open in the same year, a achievement known as the Triple Crown of Golf. On August 2, 1953, he clinched the British Open at Carnoustie despite the challenge of playing a limited schedule due to health issues. Hogan's ability to win these three major tournaments solidified his legacy as one of the game's greats.

Ben Hogan secured his final official PGA Tour victory on June 11, 1967, at the age of 54. He won the Colonial National Invitational, now known as the Charles Schwab Challenge. This win underscored his enduring skill and ability to compete at the highest level, even as he limited his playing schedule. Hogan's career included a total of 64 PGA Tour wins, making him one of the most successful professional golfers ever.

Ben Hogan, a legendary golfer known for his rigorous work ethic, passed away on July 25, 1995, at the age of 83. Hogan's career was marked by unparalleled achievements, including nine major championships and a lasting influence on the game through his writings and teachings on the golf swing. Hogan's death marked the end of an era, but his contributions to golf have kept his memory alive in the sport.

The Ben Hogan Award was established by the Golf Coaches Association of America in 1997 to honor the finest collegiate golfer of the year who also exemplifies Hogan's values of academics, leadership, and sportsmanship. The award continues to carry forward Hogan's legacy by recognizing amateurs who demonstrate excellence both on and off the golf course, endorsing athletic achievement along with sportsmanship.

On July 25, 2000, Golf Digest posthumously ranked Ben Hogan as the second greatest golfer of all time, behind Jack Nicklaus, recognizing his remarkable career and contributions to the sport. Hogan's legacy includes his theory on golf swing mechanics and his inspiring comeback story, which continue to influence both amateur and professional golfers across generations. This ranking honored his long-lasting impact on the game.