He’s the oldest living Masters champ and he turns 100 this weekend.
Jack Burke, Jr., who is also the oldest PGA Championship winner, hits the century mark on Sunday, Jan. 29, 2023.
Gene Sarazen, the 1935 Masters champ, lived to be 97 and three months; Byron Nelson stretched his years to 94; Doug Ford died in 2018 at 95. Burke outlived them all, and although the 1956 Masters winner hasn’t returned to Augusta National since 2011, the accomplishment remains etched in his memories.
His Masters win came during the 20th playing of the event and the first one to be televised, although the CBS cameras were only on holes 15, 16, 17 and 18 on Friday through Sunday.
The most memorable part of his victory, though, was the he came back from eight shots down to win, still the largest comeback in Masters history.
Amateur Ken Venturi, led the tournament by four shots after 36 holes; he was up eight shots on Burke. After 54 holes, Burke was still down eight shots. He would end up winning by a shot and his 1-over final remains tied for the highest winning score at Augusta National.
Check out some photos through the years of Jackie Burke.
The Augusta Chronicle’s Doug Stutsman contributed to this story.
Jack Burke Jr.
Jack Burke Jr. is helped by Cary Middlecoff as he puts on the traditional green jacket…
Jack Burke Jr. is helped by Cary Middlecoff as he puts on the traditional green jacket after the 20th Masters Tournament at the Augusta National Golf Course in Augusta, Georgia, on April 8, 1956. (Photo: Associated Press)
Jack Burke Jr.
Doug Ford gets assistance from Jack Burke Jr. as he slips into the traditional green jacket…
Doug Ford gets assistance from Jack Burke Jr. as he slips into the traditional green jacket for after winning the 1957 Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo: Horace Cort/Associated Press)
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