The Memorial Tournament Honorees

RALPH GULDAHL (1911–1987)

Emerging with a spectacular stretch of success in the mid-to late 1930s, Ralph Guldahl’s time in professional golf, albeit brief, was memorable with U.S. Open wins in 1937 and ‘38, followed by a Masters victory in ‘39. During that win, he gave what could be considered the most riveting performance of his career. Scoring a then-record 33 on the back nine at Augusta National Golf Club, a mark later broken by golf legend Ben Hogan, Guldahl went on to edge Sam Snead for the green jacket. His victory was highlighted by a dazzling eagle on the par-5 13th hole. With three straight Western Open wins, Guldahl was the only golfer to win both the Western Open and the U.S. Open in consecutive years. He left the Tour in 1942, returning briefly in 1949, before retiring with 16 PGA Tour wins and 20 second-place finishes.