Legendary Sam Snead Passes Away

He’ll be missed by all Legendary 'Slammin' Sam Snead passes away. by Kevin Alcox, Columbus Wired and Dave Weissman, Columbus Wired
With the passing of golf legend Sam Snead on Thursday comes much discussion and at the same time, tributes to the memory of such a fan favorite. In the case of ‘Slammin Sammy’, he had as many friends and fans inside the ropes as he did outside the ropes and the tributes and stories can only tell so much of the greatness that was Sam Snead. “I grew up watching Sam Snead play, and he brought so much to the game with his great swing and the most fluid motion ever to grace a golf course,” Jack Nicklaus said after the news of Snead’s passing.
“Anytime you lose a golf legend like that it’s a sad day,” commented Tom Lehman. Snead (89 years old), the PGA Tour's winningest player with 81 career tournament wins, passed away after complications from several strokes earlier this year following the 2002 Masters tournament. Snead touched the lives of golfers young and old and have left them with a lasting impression that the new generation will carry forward. His swing, still a thing of beauty today, served him well into his golden years. He became a beloved ambassador and advocate for the game and was instrumental in the founding of the PGA's Senior Tour. “It’s unfortunate. He was a great man. I had the pleasure of knowing him and spending some time with him,” Sergio Garcia said. “He’s gone to a better place I’m sure, and hopefully he’ll be playing some pretty good golf up there.” “I'm going to miss him,” said Tiger Woods. “I first played golf with him when I was five years old. And that's an experience I'll never forget.” Snead won three Masters, including a 1954 playoff triumph over friend and rival Ben Hogan. He won three PGA Championships and a British Open. The only Grand Slam event that eluded him was the U.S. Open, although he had plenty of chances, finishing second four times. Snead’s opening tee shot at the Masters every year brought thrills and chills, and was, for many, the official start to another golf season. On Sunday, his memory was honored at the Memorial Tournament as all players and caddies wore a black ribbon on their hats to show a symbol of respect to the legend, as he meant so much to the game and many of its players today.