A pioneering blind golfer who won numerous tournaments and inspired others with disabilities to take up the sport. He proved that golf is a game of feel and touch, not just sight.
Rod Funseth, a renowned American professional golfer, is best known for his impressive game on the PGA Tour and the Senior PGA Tour (now PGA Tour Champions). His unique approach to the game, characterized by a pessimistic attitude towards his abilities, made him stand out from his contemporaries.
Born on April 3, 1933, in Spokane, Washington, Funseth grew up in a family with a strong Swedish heritage. His father, a mens clothing store operator and salesman, instilled in him a love for golf from an early age. Funseth's brother, Carl, was also an avid golfer, and the two would often compete for city junior titles.
Funseth attended North Central High School and graduated in 1951. He briefly attended the University of Idaho, where he studied civil engineering, but did not graduate. Instead, he returned to Spokane and worked various jobs while competing as an amateur golfer. During this time, he won the British Columbia Amateur in 1956.
In 1959, Funseth turned pro and became an assistant pro under the guidance of Masters champion Claude Harmon. He worked at Winged Foot, north of New York City, and later at Thunderbird in Palm Springs. In 1962, he started entering tour events, and in 1963, he received sponsorship from Spokane's Athletic Round Table (ART) to play full-time.
Funseth's game was characterized by his extraordinary length off the tee, making him one of the longest hitters of his era. However, he was equally known for his self-deprecating humor and pessimistic attitude towards his game. He claimed that his "I'll never be able to make that shot" mental attitude helped him to play better, as it motivated him to prove himself wrong.
Throughout his career, Funseth maintained meticulous records of his earnings, which allowed him to reimburse his sponsors and track his progress. He also had a distinctive logo on his tour bag, featuring the smiling horse insignia of the Athletic Round Table, which often sparked conversations with fellow golfers and spectators.
Rod Funseth's legacy extends beyond his impressive golfing skills. His amiable nature and humility made him a beloved figure in the golfing community. Despite his passing on September 9, 1985, Funseth's unique approach to the game continues to inspire golfers to this day.
86 Years Old
A legendary golfer and broadcaster, renowned for his record 18 major championships and iconic swing, still widely revered in the golf world today.
96 Years Old
A legendary golfer and entrepreneur who dominated the sport in the 1950s and 1960s, and later built a business empire around his iconic brand.
90 Years Old
A legendary golfer and charismatic sportscaster, known for winning numerous championships, including nine major titles, and entertaining audiences with his commentary and wit.
59 Years Old
A British Labour Party politician who served as Deputy Leader and led the party's anti-Brexit efforts, known for his strong stance against leaving the EU.
86 Years Old
A charismatic golfer and broadcaster, known for his witty commentary and six major championships, including two U.S. Open titles.
80 Years Old
A legendary golfer with 20 PGA Tour victories, including three U.S. Open titles, and a renowned golf course architect.
74 Years Old
A two-time Masters champion and renowned golf course designer, celebrated for his smooth putting stroke and creative, links-style layouts.
71 Years Old
Won two consecutive U.S. Open titles in 1988 and 1989, becoming the first golfer since Ben Hogan in 1951 to achieve this feat. He's also a two-time major champion and a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame.
