Michigan Golf Journal July 2019

Dave Hill Put Jackson on the PGA Tour Map This summer marks the 40th anniversary of one of Dave Hill’s PGA Tour victories in Memphis, Tenn. The Jackson native won 13 PGA Tour titles in all, but four of them (’67, ’69, ’70 and ’73) occurred in the city now known as the home of the World Golf Championships- FedEx St. Jude Invitational. Although he never won a major golf trophy, Dave Hill is widely recognized as one of Michigan’s greatest players. In fact, late in his career, he said, “I was probably three shots a week from winning a major.” Hill came closest in 1970 when he finished seven shots behind Tony Jacklin at the U.S. Open at Hazeltine in Chaska, Minn. But Hill’s runner-up finish was overshadowed by his controversial remarks about the course earlier in the week. When asked what the course lacked, the always candid Hill said, “Only 80 acres of corn and a few cows to be a good farm.” And Dave Hill knew a thing or two about cows and farming. James David Hill was born in 1937 and was raised on a small dairy farm in Jackson. Dave’s dad George also ran a machine shop, but he took his sons to a nearby golf course to practice. Later Dave became a caddie. For the local Jackson newspaper, he recalled that at age 11 he played in his first golf tournament and shot 101. He soon blossomed into a fine player and went on to play collegiately at the University of Detroit. Turning pro in 1958, Hill won the 1959 Michigan Open. Two years later, he won his first PGA Tour title in Tucson in a playoff against Tommy Bolt and Bud Sullivan. Later that year, he claimed his second title at the Denver Open with a 21-under four round performance. Winning by six shots, Hill was seen as one of best and brightest stars on the Tour. By Terry Moore Continues on page 22 >> Legacy of Dave Hill