Ralph Guldahl - Early Life Until 1939

Early Life Until 1939

Guldahl was born in Dallas, Texas. A 1930 graduate of Dallas' Woodrow Wilson High School, he started playing on the professional tournament circuit in 1931 and won an event in his rookie season. In 1933, at the age of 21, he went into the last hole of the U.S. Open tied for the lead with Johnny Goodman. A par would have taken him into a playoff, but he made bogey and finished second. After further frustrating failures Guldahl quit the sport temporarily in 1935 and became a car salesman. He made a comeback part way through the 1936 PGA Tour season. He won the prestigious Western Open and finished second on the money list. He went on to win the Western Open in 1937 and 1938 as well.

Guldahl's manner of play was relaxed: "He paused to comb his hair before every hole, and would forestall any suspense by announcing exactly where he intended to plant the ball."

Guldahl won three major championships. He claimed the U.S. Open title in 1937 and 1938. He became the last person to win the U.S. Open while wearing a necktie during play in 1938. He was runner-up at the Masters in both 1937 and 1938, before taking that title in 1939. He played on the 1937 Ryder Cup team.