Walter Hagen

Walter Hagen

Walter Charles Hagen (December 21, 1892 – October 6, 1969) was a major figure in golf in the first half of the 20th century. His tally of eleven professional majors is third behind Jack Nicklaus (18) and Tiger Woods (14). He won the U.S. Open twice, and in 1922 he became the first native-born American to win the British Open, which he went on to win four times in total. He also won the PGA Championship a record-tying five times (1921, '24–'27), and the Western Open five times when it had near major championship status. Hagen totaled 45 PGA wins in his career, and was a six-time Ryder Cup captain.