By Stacey Whyte
Manager of Media Relations

Although his professional golfing career was the kind many players only dream of, Jimmy Demaret was best known as golf's first "show biz star." With a penchant for singing, telling jokes and brightly-colored clothing, Demaret was the first to bring glamour and celebrity to the game.

Demaret grew up in Houston, working as a caddie and later as an assistant pro. Nicknamed the "singing Texas," he alternated between competitive golf and nightclub singing before playing the TOUR full time in 1938. A stoutly build make with thick arms, Demaret was known for his elegant swing and low fades.

In 1940, Demaret won six consecutive tournaments, including the Masters. He would go on to win two more green jackets, in 1947 and in 1950, when he grabbed the microphone during his awards presentation and started singing "Do You Know How Lucky You Are?"

All in all, Demaret won 31 events between 1938 and 1957. He won the Vardon Trophy and led the money list in 1947. In three Ryder Cup appearances, his record was an impeccable 5-0. Ben Hogan called him the "most underrated golfer in history."

Demaret would readily admit that he would have won even more tournaments had he not been so busy enjoying himself. But that's alright. The man who Bob Hope called "the funniest amateur comedian in the world" blessed the sport with his charm and appeal. Demaret passed away in 1983 and was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame the same year.