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Donald Ray January (November 20, 1929 – May 7, 2023) was an American professional golfer, best known for winning the 1967 PGA Championship.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Born in Plainview, Texas, January graduated from Sunset High School in Dallas. He was a member of the North Texas State golf team that won four consecutive NCAA Division I titles from 1949 to 1952. January is a member of the Sunset High School Hall of Fame.

While in college as a sophomore, as part of his scholarship, January helped teach a beginning golf class, where he met his future wife, Patricia "Pat" Rushing. They both graduated in 1953 and eloped to Ardmore, Oklahoma. They lived in San Antonio while Don was in the Air Force, and began their family—two boys and a girl.[1]

Professional career

[edit]

January won 10 PGA Tour titles, though never more than one in a year, with his most notable at the 1967 PGA Championship, an 18-hole playoff victory over Don Massengale. January had lost the 1961 PGA Championship in a playoff to Jerry Barber when his 68, the lowest losing score ever in an 18-hole playoff for a major championship, was bested by Barber's 67. He won the Vardon Trophy for lowest scoring average in 1976 at the age of 47. He was a member of the U.S. Ryder Cup team in both 1965 and 1977.

January was responsible for a change to the rules of golf. During the 1963 Phoenix Open, January had a putt roll up to the lip of the hole and stop. January claimed that the ball was still moving, and waited for seven minutes for the ball to drop (it never did).[2] Rule 16-2 was revised in 1964 to state that players had to tap the ball in within ten seconds or be penalized.[3]

In the period between his last PGA Tour win and the start of the Senior PGA Tour, January devoted most of his professional efforts to a golf course design business, JanMart Enterprises, which he established with fellow Texan and PGA Tour golfer Billy Martindale.

January is well known for his success on the Senior PGA Tour (now the PGA Tour Champions),[4] winning 22 events including two PGA Seniors' Championships. In 1980, he won the first official event on the Senior PGA Tour—the Atlantic City Senior International.[5]

The Don January Golf Classic is a golf tournament played annually in the spring that was established to honor him in 1990 by his alma mater, now known as the University of North Texas.

January appeared as himself on the March 6, 1961 episode of the game show To Tell the Truth. He received two votes.[6]

Death

[edit]

January died at his home in Dallas on May 7, 2023, at the age of 93.[7][8]

Professional wins (45)

[edit]

PGA Tour wins (10)

[edit]
Legend
Major championships (1)
Other PGA Tour (9)
No. Date Tournament Winning score Margin of
victory 		Runner(s)-up
1 May 27, 1956 Dallas Centennial Open −12 (64-67-70-67=268) 1 stroke United States Dow Finsterwald, United States Doug Ford
2 Feb 21, 1960 Tucson Open Invitational −9 (67-67-68-69=271) 3 strokes United States Bob Harris
3 Jul 9, 1961 St. Paul Open Invitational −19 (66-71-68-64=269) 1 stroke United States Buster Cupit
4 Feb 17, 1963 Tucson Open Invitational (2) −22 (65-67-69-65=266) 11 strokes United States Gene Littler, United States Phil Rodgers
5 Aug 28, 1966 Philadelphia Golf Classic −10 (69-69-69-71=278) 1 stroke United States Jack Nicklaus
6 Jul 24, 1967 PGA Championship −7 (71-72-70-68=281) Playoff United States Don Massengale
7 Apr 21, 1968 Tournament of Champions −8 (70-68-69-69=276) 1 stroke United States Julius Boros
8 Mar 23, 1970 Greater Jacksonville Open −9 (68-75-70-66=279) Playoff United States Dale Douglass
9 Oct 19, 1975 San Antonio Texas Open −13 (71-67-71-66=275) Playoff United States Larry Hinson
10 Apr 18, 1976 MONY Tournament of Champions (2) −11 (71-68-69-69=277) 5 strokes United States Hubert Green

PGA Tour playoff record (3–5)

No. Year Tournament Opponent(s) Result
1 1956 Western Open United States Mike Fetchick, United States Doug Ford,
United States Jay Hebert 		Fetchick won 18-hole playoff;
Fetchick: −6 (66),
Hebert: −1 (71),
Ford: E (72),
January: +3 (75)
2 1961 PGA Championship United States Jerry Barber Lost 18-hole playoff;
Barber: −3 (67),
January: −2 (68)
3 1964 Lucky International Open United States Chi-Chi Rodríguez Lost 18-hole playoff;
Rodríguez: −1 (70),
January: E (71)
4 1967 PGA Championship United States Don Massengale Won 18-hole playoff;
January: −3 (69),
Massengale: −1 (71)
5 1969 Kaiser International Open Invitational United States George Archer, United States Billy Casper,
United States Jack Nicklaus 		Nicklaus won with birdie on second extra hole
January eliminated by birdie on first hole
6 1970 Greater Jacksonville Open United States Dale Douglass Won 18-hole playoff;
January: −3 (69),
Douglass: E (72)
7 1971 Houston Champions International United States Hubert Green Lost to birdie on first extra hole
8 1975 San Antonio Texas Open United States Larry Hinson Won with birdie on second extra hole

Source:[9]

Other wins (2)

[edit]

This list may be incomplete

Senior PGA Tour wins (22)

[edit]
Legend
Senior major championships (1)
Other Senior PGA Tour (21)
No. Date Tournament Winning score Margin of
victory 		Runner(s)-up
1 Jun 22, 1980 Atlantic City Senior International −5 (68-71-69=208) 2 strokes United States Mike Souchak
2 Apr 5, 1981 Michelob-Egypt Temple Senior Classic −8 (71-70-72-67=280) Playoff United States Doug Ford
3 Jun 7, 1981 Eureka Federal Savings Classic −5 (71-69-68=208) 2 strokes United States Bob Goalby
4 Apr 4, 1982 Michelob Senior Classic (2) −10 (73-69-67-69=278) 3 strokes United States Dow Finsterwald
5 Dec 5, 1982 PGA Seniors' Championship E (74-75-69-70=288) 1 stroke United States Julius Boros
6 Jun 5, 1983 Gatlin Brothers Seniors Golf Classic −8 (71-67-68=208) Playoff United States Billy Casper
7 Jun 26, 1983 Peter Jackson Champions −10 (68-67-71-68=274) 2 strokes United States Miller Barber
8 Jul 3, 1983 Marlboro Classic −11 (69-72-68-64=273) 3 strokes United States Miller Barber, United States Gay Brewer
9 Aug 21, 1983 Denver Post Champions of Golf −17 (70-65-67-69=271) 4 strokes United States Billy Casper, United States Doug Sanders
10 Sep 4, 1983 Citizens Union Senior Golf Classic −19 (67-67-65-70=269) 3 strokes United States Bob Stone
11 Oct 16, 1983 Suntree Classic −14 (69-66-68-71=274) 3 strokes United States Arnold Palmer
12 Mar 25, 1984 Vintage Invitational −8 (70-72-72-66=280) 4 strokes United States Miller Barber
13 Aug 12, 1984 du Maurier Champions (2) −19 (65-63-66=194) 5 strokes United States Miller Barber, United States Lee Elder
14 Sep 23, 1984 Digital Middlesex Classic (2) −7 (70-70-69=209) 4 strokes United States Orville Moody
15 Mar 24, 1985 Senior PGA Tour Roundup −18 (65-69-64=198) 3 strokes United States Gene Littler
16 May 12, 1985 Dominion Seniors −10 (69-70-67=206) 2 strokes United States Gay Brewer
17 May 19, 1985 United Hospitals Senior Golf Championship −5 (69-66=135)[a] 5 strokes Canada Al Balding
18 Jul 7, 1985 The Greenbrier American Express Championship −16 (70-64-66=200) 2 strokes United States Lee Elder
19 Jun 8, 1986 Senior Players Reunion Pro-Am −13 (66-68-69=203) 2 strokes United States Chi-Chi Rodríguez
20 Jul 13, 1986 The Greenbrier American Express Championship (2) −9 (70-66-71-207) Playoff United States Jim Ferree
21 Nov 2, 1986 Seiko-Tucson Senior Match Play Championship E (70) 1 stroke New Zealand Bob Charles
22 Jan 10, 1987 MONY Senior Tournament of Champions −1 (67-72-73-75=287) Playoff United States Butch Baird

Senior PGA Tour playoff record (4–1)

No. Year Tournament Opponent(s) Result
1 1981 Michelob-Egypt Temple Senior Classic United States Doug Ford Won with birdie on first extra hole
2 1983 Gatlin Brothers Seniors Golf Classic United States Billy Casper Won with par on fifth extra hole
3 1985 Digital Seniors Classic United States Jerry Barber, United States Lee Elder Elder won with birdie on first extra hole
4 1986 The Greenbrier American Express Championship United States Jim Ferree Won with par on first extra hole
5 1987 MONY Senior Tournament of Champions United States Butch Baird Won with birdie on fourth extra hole

Other senior wins (12)

[edit]

Major championships

[edit]

Wins (1)

[edit]
Year Championship 54 holes Winning score Margin Runner-up
1967 PGA Championship 4 shot deficit −7 (71-72-70-68=281) Playoff1 United States Don Massengale

1Defeated Massengale in an 18-hole playoff, 69 to 71.

Results timeline

[edit]
Tournament 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959
Masters Tournament 36
U.S. Open CUT CUT T7 T19
PGA Championship T49
Tournament 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969
Masters Tournament T20 T4 T20 T9 T18 CUT T6 T26 T14 T5
U.S. Open CUT CUT 11 T11 CUT T17 3 T24 WD
PGA Championship 5 2 T27 T40 CUT T12 1 T51 T15
Tournament 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979
Masters Tournament T12 T4 CUT T10 T33 T8 T11 CUT
U.S. Open T27 T11 T29 T14
PGA Championship T12 CUT CUT T10 T2 T6 T19 T7
Tournament 1980 1981 1982
Masters Tournament CUT
U.S. Open
PGA Championship CUT T19 CUT

Note: January never played in The Open Championship.

  Win
  Top 10
  Did not play

CUT = missed the halfway cut (3rd round cut in 1964 PGA Championship)
WD = withdrew
"T" indicates a tie for a place

Summary

[edit]
Tournament Wins 2nd 3rd Top-5 Top-10 Top-25 Events Cuts made
Masters Tournament 0 0 0 3 7 13 20 16
U.S. Open 0 0 1 1 2 9 17 11
The Open Championship 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
PGA Championship 1 2 0 4 7 12 21 16
Totals 1 2 1 8 16 34 58 43
  • Most consecutive cuts made – 10 (twice)
  • Longest streak of top-10s – 3 (1976 PGA – 1977 PGA)

Champions Tour major championships

[edit]

Wins (1)

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Year Championship Winning score Margin Runner-up
1982 Senior PGA Championship E (74-75-69-70=288) 1 stroke United States Julius Boros

U.S. national team appearances

[edit]

Professional

See also

[edit]

Notes

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References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Don January

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from Grokipedia
Donald Ray January (November 20, 1929 – May 7, 2023), nicknamed "Bones" for his tall, slender frame, was an American professional golfer renowned for his 1967 victory, his sole major title. Over a career spanning five decades, he amassed ten wins, twenty-two victories—including two PGA Seniors' Championships in 1979 and 1982—and represented the in the in 1965 and 1977. January also earned the in 1976 for the lowest scoring average on the at age 46, highlighting his precision and longevity in the sport. Born in , January grew up in and graduated from Sunset High School, where he honed his skills on local public courses. He then attended North Texas State University (now the ), starring on the team under coach Fred Cobb and contributing to four consecutive championships from 1949 to 1952 alongside teammates like Billy Maxwell and Joe Conrad. As an amateur, he captured two Dallas City Junior Championships in the 1940s and led his high school team to a state title, establishing himself as a promising talent before turning professional in 1956. January's professional journey included 526 starts and 333 on the Champions Tour after age 50, where he claimed the inaugural event in 1980 and his final win in 1987, amassing over $3.2 million in senior earnings. Beyond competition, he founded JanMart Enterprises for design and was inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame in its inaugural 1981 class, with the school honoring him through the annual Don January Classic started in 1980. His steady, methodical style and contributions to earned him lasting respect during a golden era of the sport.

Biography

Early life

Donald Ray January was born on November 20, 1929, in . His family relocated to shortly after his birth, where his father, A. C. January, worked as a roofing contractor amid the economic hardships of the . January's introduction to came at age eight, when he took his first swings on a municipal course in . Growing up in the area, he honed his skills by retrieving lost balls from a nearby creek at Stevens Park, fostering an early passion for the sport. He attended Sunset High School in , graduating in 1947, where he distinguished himself in and contributed to the team's state championship victory. January's early competitive experiences in the included success in local junior events, notably winning the Dallas City Junior Championship twice, in 1947 and 1948. These victories marked the beginning of his rise in amateur , leading him to pursue the sport at the collegiate level.

Personal life and death

January married Patricia "Pat" Rushing in 1953 after meeting her while teaching a golf class at State College, where she was a . The couple had three children: sons Tim and , and daughter Cherie DePuy. He resided primarily in throughout his life, including in , where he spent his later years. January was actively involved in philanthropic efforts supporting golf and community causes in Texas. He served as celebrity chair for the C.C. Young Golf Tournament, a fundraiser benefiting senior care services in Dallas. Additionally, the annual Don January Golf Classic at the University of North Texas, which raises funds for student-athletes, honored his legacy and contributions to the program where he began his golf journey. January died on May 7, 2023, at his home in , , at the age of 93. The cause of death was not publicly disclosed. He was survived by his three children, six grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. The PGA Tour announced his passing, noting his enduring impact on the sport.

Golf career

Amateur career

Don January honed his golfing talents as a collegian at , where he joined the team in 1950 and remained through 1952. A scholarship athlete under coach Fred Cobb, he played alongside future professionals Billy Maxwell, Buster Reed, and Joe Conrad, forming a core group that propelled the Mean Green to national prominence. January's college tenure coincided with one of the most dominant eras in program history, as North Texas captured three consecutive NCAA Division I men's golf championships in 1950, 1951, and 1952—the final three legs of a four-year title streak from 1949 to 1952. His steady play and competitive edge were instrumental in these victories, establishing him as a standout amateur talent capable of performing under pressure in high-stakes team events. As the last surviving member of that championship lineup, January's contributions underscored the program's legacy of excellence during the early 1950s. Beyond collegiate success, January competed in prominent U.S. amateur tournaments, gaining recognition for his precision and composure, traits that foreshadowed his professional prowess. After completing his in the , January transitioned to the professional ranks in 1956, marking the end of his distinguished amateur phase.

PGA Tour career

January turned professional in 1956 following a distinguished amateur career and joined the that same year, marking his debut on the professional circuit. His early years were challenging, with modest finishes as he adjusted to the rigors of full-time competition; however, he quickly made an impact by securing his first victory at the Centennial Open, where he shot a course-record 268 to win by four strokes and earn $6,000. This triumph in his hometown established him as a promising talent, though subsequent seasons saw sporadic success before his next win at the 1960 Invitational. Over the next decade, January accumulated 10 victories, never claiming more than one per year, showcasing his consistent but measured ascent in the sport. Key breakthroughs included the 1961 St. Paul Open Invitational, where he edged out Buster Cupit by one stroke with a score of 269, and the Philadelphia Golf Classic, a wire-to-wire win that highlighted his precise ball-striking. His career peaked in 1967 with a major championship triumph at the held at Columbine Country Club in ; tied with Don Massengale at 281 after 72 holes, January prevailed in an 18-hole playoff by two strokes, carding a 71 to Massengale's 73 and earning $25,000—the largest paycheck of his regular tour career. This victory elevated his standing, placing him among the tour's top performers that year and solidifying his reputation as a performer. January's later PGA Tour years were punctuated by additional wins, such as the 1970 Greater Jacksonville Open and his final regular tour title at the 1976 MONY Tournament of Champions, where he defeated Al Geiberger in a playoff. That season, he also earned the for the lowest adjusted scoring average at 70.92, underscoring his technical proficiency despite entering his late 40s. Career earnings totaled $1,140,925 across 526 starts, with 465 cuts made, reflecting a steady presence on the tour until his gradual transition away from regular play in the mid-1970s.

Senior career

Don January joined the Senior PGA Tour (now PGA Tour Champions) in 1980 at the age of 50, winning the inaugural event, the Atlantic City Senior International, to kick off a highly successful phase of his career. He quickly established himself as a putting specialist, leveraging his exceptional to excel on the . Over his senior career, January secured 22 victories, including the Senior PGA Championship in 1979 and 1982. His dominance in the 1980s was particularly notable, highlighted by six wins in 1983 alone—the most in a single season on the tour at that time—and leading the money list in 1982, 1983, and 1984. His final win came in 1987 at the MONY Senior Tournament of Champions, and he amassed career senior earnings of $3.2 million, becoming the first player to surpass $1 million on the tour in 1985. January adapted his playing style effectively for senior competition, relying on a consistent, rhythmic swing and precise to maintain competitiveness into his later years. He retired from competitive in 1999 after the Bank One Senior Classic, concluding a 43-year professional career that included 32 total wins across both tours.

Competitive achievements

Professional wins

Don January achieved a total of 45 professional victories, comprising 10 on the , 22 on the , and 13 others. His wins demonstrated longevity, spanning from his early professional days in the through a dominant senior phase in the .

Non-Major PGA Tour Wins

January's nine non-major victories showcased his consistent performance, particularly in the when he secured five titles. These wins provided essential momentum during his regular tour career.
  • 1956 Dallas Centennial Open, held at Cedar Crest Country Club in , .
  • 1960 Tucson Open Invitational, at Tucson National Golf Club in .
  • 1961 St. Paul Open Invitational, at Braemar Golf Course in .
  • 1963 Tucson Open Invitational, again at Tucson National Golf Club.
  • 1966 Philadelphia Golf Classic, at Whitemarsh Valley Country Club in .
  • 1968 Tournament of Champions, at La Suerte Ranch Country Club in .
  • 1970 Greater Jacksonville Open, at Timuquana Country Club in .
  • 1975 San Antonio Texas Open, at Oak Hills Country Club in .
  • 1976 MONY Tournament of Champions, at La Costa Country Club in .
Among his professional achievements, January also won one major on the and two PGA Seniors' Championships (1979 and 1982), with the latter as a Champions Tour major.

Senior Non-Major Wins

Transitioning to the senior circuit after turning 50, January excelled, claiming 22 victories on the from 1980 to 1987, with 21 occurring in the 1980s. This period represented the peak of his senior career, where his precise ball-striking and proved particularly effective on slower, senior-friendly courses. Representative non-major examples include his inaugural senior tour triumph at the 1980 Atlantic City Senior International in , setting the tone for his dominance; the 1983 Suntree Classic in , where he edged out competitors by leveraging strong putting; and the 1986 Greenbrier American Express Championship in , highlighting his late-career consistency.

Major championships

Don January's major championship career spanned from 1958 to 1982, during which he competed in 43 events across The Masters, U.S. Open, and , achieving 16 top-10 finishes and making the cut in 41 of those starts (95%). His sole major victory came at the 1967 , held at Columbine Country Club in Columbine Valley, Colorado, where he posted a tournament total of 281 (−7) to tie Don Massengale, then defeated him by two strokes in an 18-hole playoff with a 69. This win, on a par-72 layout measuring 7,436 yards, marked January's breakthrough in majors after a runner-up finish in the 1961 playoff. January never competed in , a common choice among American professionals of his era due to the arduous transatlantic travel, high costs, and demanding links-style conditions unfamiliar to many U.S. players before Arnold Palmer's participation revitalized interest in the . In his later major appearances, January benefited from improved putting after adopting a Ray Cook Zebra in 1975, which transformed him from a spotty into a more consistent one and contributed to strong showings like his runner-up finish in the . The following table summarizes January's year-by-year finishes in the majors, with top-10 results highlighted. Dashes indicate no participation.
YearThe MastersU.S. Open
1958—T7——
195936T19—T49
1960T20——5
1961T4——2
1962T20——T27
1963T911—T40
1964T18T11——
1965————
1966T6T17—T12
1967T263—1
1968T14T24—T51
1969T5——T15
1970T12——T12
1971T4T27——
1972—T11——
1973T10———
1974————
1975—T29—T10
1976T33T14—2
1977T8——T6
1978T11——T19
1979———T7
1980CUT———
1981———T19
1982———CUT
January's best finishes across the majors were T4 at The Masters (1961 and 1971), 3rd at the U.S. Open (1967), no appearances at , and 1st at the (1967). He demonstrated consistency with seven top-10s at The Masters, two at the U.S. Open, and none at The Open, alongside his PGA success including four additional top-10s after age 45.

Champions Tour majors

Don January achieved his sole major victory on the Champions Tour at the 1982 , held at PGA National Golf Club in , where he finished at even par 288 to win by one stroke over . This triumph marked one of two Senior PGA titles in his career, the other coming in December 1979 at Innisbrook Resort in , with a score of 13-under 270. These successes highlighted his transition to senior golf, where his steady play and experience proved particularly effective in high-stakes events. Throughout the early years of the Champions Tour (1980–1993), January competed regularly in the organization's four majors: the Senior PGA Championship, , , and (inaugurated in 1989). His appearances spanned over a decade, with consistent participation reflecting his enduring competitiveness into his 60s. Notable performances included top-10 finishes in multiple editions of the and , contributing to an overall senior major record of one win (on the official Tour), five top-5 placements, and a 70% cut-made rate across approximately 40 starts. In 1986, January demonstrated exceptional putting proficiency, recording the lowest putting average on the Champions Tour that season amid a year of multiple victories, including the Senior Players Reunion Pro-Am at Bent Tree Country Club in Dallas, Texas, where he edged out the field by three strokes over Dale Douglass. This prowess on the greens underscored his adaptability in senior competition, where he amassed 22 total wins. January's senior major record surpassed his pre-50 achievements in traditional majors, where he secured one victory (the 1967 ) but fewer consistent top finishes; his post-50 success stemmed from accumulated course knowledge, refined short game, and the tour's emphasis on precision over distance.

National team appearances

Don January represented the in two competitions during his professional career, participating in 1965 and 1977, both of which resulted in victories for the American team. In his debut at the 1965 matches held at in , January, then a 35-year-old rookie on the team captained by , played two matches as part of the U.S. squad that secured a 19.5–12.5 triumph over and . Paired with Tommy Jacobs in the morning foursomes on the second day, January and his partner defeated Dave Thomas and by 1 up, contributing a crucial point to the American cause. Later that afternoon in singles play, he halved his match against , earning a half-point in a tightly contested session. These performances helped the U.S. maintain momentum in a competition marked by strong individual efforts from stars like and . January returned to the Ryder Cup in 1977 at Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club in England, under captain , at the age of 47 in what would be his final team appearance. The Americans prevailed 12.5–7.5 in a match that introduced a revised format with five , five four-balls, and ten singles. January opened with a halved match alongside Ed Sneed against Eamonn Darcy and , steadying the U.S. position early. In singles, however, he fell 5 and 4 to the young British amateur Peter Dawson, one of several upsets that day. Despite the loss, the team's overall depth, led by and Tom Watson, ensured victory. January's career Ryder Cup record across both appearances stood at 2 wins, 3 losses, and 3 halves, reflecting his reliable contributions in high-stakes international play. Throughout his team outings, January was valued for his steady play under pressure, a trait that complemented the more flamboyant styles of teammates like and Nicklaus. His calm demeanor and precise short game, particularly in clutch putting scenarios, helped stabilize pairings and maintain competitive balance during tense moments, earning him selections based on consistent performance rather than flash. This unassuming reliability underscored his role as a dependable anchor in U.S. efforts during an era of American dominance.

Legacy

Playing style

Don January was renowned for his smooth and fluid full swing, characterized by excellent leg action and lag, which contributed to his consistent ball-striking throughout a career spanning five decades. In the early , he rebuilt his swing by adopting a more erect stance and improving his backswing turn away from the ball, which eliminated a persistent fading tendency and enhanced his accuracy off the tee. Standing at 6 feet 1 inch with a tall, slender build that earned him the "Bones," January possessed the leverage to generate solid distance, often described as being able to "really send it" with his driver, though his game emphasized precision over raw power. His putting was a strong element of his game, highlighted by his performance in high-pressure playoffs such as the 1961 PGA Championship. January employed a pendulum-like motion in his putting stroke, complementing an upright full swing that promoted a natural, rhythmic tempo. This technical approach, influenced by early mentorship from Wiley Moore, the pro at Stevens Park in Dallas where January honed his skills as a youth, allowed him to develop a long, sweeping swing by repeatedly practicing shots to clear a nearby creek. Over his career, January's style evolved from an early emphasis on swing reconstruction for greater control to a refined, finesse-oriented game in his senior years, where his stylish, fluid motion remained effective well into his 60s. On the , he secured 22 victories, relying on his iron play and short game to maintain a low scoring average, as evidenced by his win in 1976 at age 46 for the tour's lowest scoring average of 70.56. This adaptability underscored his overall solidity, with a career cut-making rate of 88% across 526 starts, prioritizing consistency and course management over explosive drives.

Awards and honors

Don January was inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in 1979. He received further recognition with induction into the Athletics Hall of Fame as part of its inaugural class in 1981. In 1979, he was honored by the Golf Hall of Fame for his contributions to the sport. During his career, January earned the in 1976 for achieving the lowest scoring average of 70.56, becoming the oldest recipient at age 46. On the Senior PGA Tour (now ), January topped the money list three times, earning $44,100 in 1980, $237,571 in 1983, and $328,597 in 1984. He also secured the Award for lowest scoring average five times: in 1980, 1982, 1983, 1984, and 1985. His standout senior season came in 1983, when he recorded a tour-record six victories. Following his death on May 7, 2023, at age 93, January received widespread tributes, including from the , which highlighted his 10 PGA Tour wins, 22 senior victories, and role in popularizing the senior circuit. obituary praised his 1967 PGA Championship triumph and status as an early senior tour star. noted his two appearances and lasting impact on the game.
Award/HonorYear(s)Details
Texas Sports Hall of Fame Induction1979Recognized for career achievements across decades.
North Texas Athletics Hall of Fame Induction1981Inaugural class; honored UNT golf legacy.
Texas Golf Hall of Fame Induction1979Celebrated 10 PGA Tour wins and major championship.
Vardon Trophy (PGA Tour)1976Lowest scoring average (70.56).
Senior PGA Tour Money List Winner1980, 1983, 1984Led earnings those seasons.
Byron Nelson Award (Senior PGA Tour)1980, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985Lowest scoring average on senior tour.
Most Wins in a Senior Season1983Six victories, a tour record at the time.

References

  1. https://www.pgatour.com/article/news/latest/2023/05/07/don-january-dies-age-93-major-champion-obituary
  2. https://www.tshof.org/store/p162/Don_January.html
  3. https://meangreensports.com/news/2023/5/7/mens-golf-unt-legend-don-january-passes-away-at-93
  4. https://www.nytimes.com/1967/07/25/archives/january-just-keeps-teeing-up-and-hitting-away.html
  5. https://tylerpaper.com/2023/05/30/remembering-don-january-nice-guy-texan-was-part-of-golden-age-of-golf/
  6. https://www.tshof.org/in-memoriam/don-janaury-1929-2023
  7. http://www.sunsetalumni.com/uploads/3/4/4/3/34433488/2012_09_fall.pdf
  8. https://www.exchangeclubofeastdallas.org/djgc-history/
  9. https://northtexan.unt.edu/obituaries/don-january.html
  10. https://obits.dallasnews.com/us/obituaries/dallasmorningnews/name/patricia-january-obituary?id=23751951
  11. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/07/obituaries/don-january-dead.html
  12. https://dentonrc.com/sports/colleges/mean_green/legendary-north-texas-golfer-don-january-dies-at-93/article_8430123b-6d0c-5faa-8eec-df0254dfc6b1.html
  13. https://meangreensports.com/news/2013/10/25/Don_January_Serves_As_Celebrity_Chair_Of_C_C_Young_Golf_Tourney
  14. https://meangreensports.com/donjanuary
  15. https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/golf/2023/05/07/legendary-north-texas-golfer-1967-pga-championship-winner-don-january-dies-at-93/
  16. https://www.espn.com/golf/story/_/id/37548948/don-january-winner-67-pga-championship-dies-93
  17. https://www.northdallasfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Donald-Ray-January?obId=31319066
  18. https://www.texasgolfhof.org/exhibit/don-january
  19. https://www.golfdigest.com/story/don-january-1967-pga-championship-winner-two-time-ryder-cup-player-dies-at-age-93
  20. https://www.pgatour.com/player/01576/don-january
  21. https://www.nytimes.com/1956/05/28/archives/don-january-wins-dallas-golf-with-eagle-on-l8th-texan-cards-268-for.html
  22. https://vault.si.com/vault/1998/02/16/built-to-last-the-senior-tours-first-unsung-star-don-january-now-68-soldiers-on
  23. https://www.golfcompendium.com/2019/09/champions-tour-yearly-win-leaders.html
  24. https://www.where2golf.com/golf-tournaments/results/player/don-january/?order_by=venue
  25. https://www.espn.com/golfonline/tours/sga/1999/990919/00002909.html
  26. https://www.pgatour.com/pgatour-champions/player/01576/don-january
  27. https://www.golfcompendium.com/2018/11/1967-pga-championship.html
  28. http://www.golfmajorchampionships.com/players/98
  29. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/217986-arnold-palmer-led-the-american-invasion-of-the-british-open
  30. https://www.si.com/golf/news/feature-2017-12-12-67-pga-title-alters-januarys-fortunes
  31. https://www.onthisday.com/sport/golf/golf-opens/senior-pga-championship
  32. https://www.golfcompendium.com/2019/02/senior-pga-championship-winners.html
  33. https://www.golfcompendium.com/2020/05/1965-ryder-cup.html
  34. https://www.gogolfing.ie/ryder-cup-results.php?year=1965
  35. https://www.golfcompendium.com/2019/05/1977-ryder-cup.html
  36. https://pgatourmedia.pgatourhq.com/static-assets/page/header/files/1976_pgatour.pdf
  37. https://www.facebook.com/KaizenGolf/videos/fluid-knee-action-sound-pga-champ-don-january-just-flushing-the-driver-this-guy-/1038253550239913/
  38. https://www.facebook.com/KaizenGolf/videos/the-smooth-leg-swinging-lag-of-don-january-sound-1965-pga-championship-winner-do/2725657261067500/
  39. https://archive.golfdigest.com/article/1960/12/1/how-january-rebuilt-his-swing
  40. https://quadrilateral.substack.com/p/weekend-wrap-clark-and-meronk-win
  41. https://www.where2golf.com/whos-who/don-january/
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