Golf Figures

Doug Sanders

An American professional golfer known for his colorful attire, 20 PGA Tour titles, and his famous missed three-foot putt at the 1970 Open Championship.
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Doug Sanders was an American professional golfer born July 24, 1933 in Cedartown, Georgia (died April 12, 2020). Sanders is known for his colorful attire (often matching outfits with shoes and clubs), his short swing, and his major championship near-misses. Sanders famously missed a three-foot par putt on the 72nd hole of the 1970 Open Championship at St Andrews that would have won the tournament. Jack Nicklaus defeated Sanders in the 18-hole playoff the next day. Sanders has won 20 PGA Tour titles. Sanders finished runner-up at four major championships without winning.

How Golfers Say It

"The colorful Sanders."
"Missed the three-footer at St Andrews."
"Twenty PGA Tour wins."

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Origin

George Douglas Sanders was born July 24, 1933 in Cedartown, Georgia. Sanders attended the University of Florida and turned professional in 1956. Sanders established himself as one of the most colorful personalities on the PGA Tour.

Rules & Context

Doug Sanders has won 20 PGA Tour titles. Sanders finished runner-up at four major championships (1959 PGA Championship, 1961 U.S. Open, 1966 Open Championship, 1970 Open Championship). Sanders was known for colorful attire and shorter compact swing.

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Neil's Take

"Doug Sanders famously missed a three-foot par putt on the 72nd hole of the 1970 Open Championship at St Andrews that would have won the tournament. Jack Nicklaus defeated Sanders in the 18-hole playoff the next day 72-73. Sanders has won 20 PGA Tour titles. Sanders finished runner-up at four major championships without winning a major."

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the famous missed putt?

1970 Open at St Andrews. Doug Sanders famously missed a three-foot par putt on the 72nd hole of the 1970 Open Championship at the Old Course at St Andrews. The putt would have won Sanders the Open Championship. Jack Nicklaus defeated Sanders 72-73 in an 18-hole playoff the next day. The missed putt is one of the most famous in major championship history.

How many PGA Tour wins for Sanders?

Twenty. Doug Sanders has won 20 PGA Tour titles throughout his career. Sanders was a consistent PGA Tour winner throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Sanders is one of multiple players who have won 20 or more PGA Tour events without winning a major championship.

What was Sanders's distinctive style?

Colorful attire. Doug Sanders was known for his colorful attire, often matching outfits with shoes and clubs. Sanders's distinctive style made him one of the most recognizable players on the PGA Tour during his era. Sanders also was known for a notably short and compact swing.

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