I was saddened to hear of the passing of Billy Casper this past weekend. Billy was a golfing legend. Here are just three of his remarkable achievements:
– Billy Casper’s career total of 51 PGA Tour titles has been surpassed by only six golfers.
– The U.S. was undefeated in the nine times Casper competed in the Ryder Cup.
– Casper won at least one PGA Tour event in 16 consecutive years. Only Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus have longer streaks (17 years).
I took this photograph of Billy in 2008 at the 50th anniversary of the Buick Open in Grand Blanc, which he one in the inaugural year (1958). Always a gentleman, Billy took time to help the Buick Open and Warwick Hills Country Club with celebration of this great tournament. Sadly, the Buick Open is no longer a tour event, but the memories of that great event and Billy Casper’s excellent play will live on for years in the hearts of many that visited and played there.
Rod Arroyo, Portraits By Rod
