By Jenny Evans
Communications Intern

Cary Middlecoff was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1986 at the age of 55. Known for his slow pace of play, fiery temper and degree in dental surgery, Middlecoff had been making his way onto the golf circuit since his teens.

Born January 6, 1921 in Halls, Tenn., Middlecoff constructed his golf game from an early age. Those who knew him best dubbed him, "The Ghost," because his visits to local country clubs for golf tips became so frequent, many were haunted by him. Middlecoff, always the big kid growing up, eventually reached a solid 6'2". Never taking a single lesson, Middlecoff's technique left little to be desired, but his shear height allowed him to crush the golf ball, dominating the competition off the tee.

"I'd give the world to have a swing like that," Bobby Jones once said of his comrade.

Middlecoff's legend began in his teens when he won the Memphis city championship and the Tennessee state amateur. In 1945, the former University of Mississippi golfer became the first amateur to win the North and South Open, where he played in the final round with Ben Hogan and Gene Sarazen.

After receiving his degree in dental surgery in 1944, Middlecoff, also known as Doc, was called upon during World War II to serve in the U.S. Army Dental Corps. Before beginning his PGA TOUR career, Middlecoff served 18 months of active duty, repairing over 7,000 teeth. Upon his return, Middlecoff decided to turn in his drill and try his luck on the professional golf circuit.

In 1947, after tying the course record in the final round of the Charlotte Open, Middlecoff took home his first $2,000 championship check. His first major championship followed two years later at the U.S. Open at Medinah, and his golf career flourished from there. Middlecoff went on to win the 1955 Masters and celebrated his second U.S. Open victory in 1956 in Rochester, N.Y. From 1947 until his retirement in 1961, Middlecoff won at least one tournament per year, collecting 40 victories throughout his career, and landing him eighth on the PGA TOUR's all-time list.

Middlecoff went on to write The Golf Swing, one of the most accessible pieces ever written on the theories of the golf swing. He also worked as a television analyst and is remembered by many for his to-the-point comments on the game such as, "You don't win the Masters. It wins you."