Hubbry Logo
Jimmy DemaretJimmy DemaretMain
Open search
Jimmy Demaret
Community hub
Jimmy Demaret
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Jimmy Demaret
Jimmy Demaret
Jimmy Demaret
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

James Newton Demaret (May 24, 1910 – December 28, 1983) was an American professional golfer. He won 31 PGA Tour events in a long career between 1935 and 1957, and was the first three-time winner of the Masters, with titles in 1940, 1947, and 1950.[1][2][3]

Key Information

Life and career

[edit]

Born in Houston, Texas, Demaret reached his peak in the late 1940s with wins in the Masters in 1947, runner-up to Ben Hogan in the 1948 U.S. Open, and leading money winner and Vardon Trophy winner in 1947. He reached the semifinals of the PGA Championship four times, but never made the finals. He was one stroke short of making the playoff for the 1957 U.S. Open, at age 47. He played on three Ryder Cup teams: 1947, 1949, and 1951. His career declined in the 1950s, although he managed several key wins including the 1952 Bing Crosby Pro-Am. His last Tour win came in 1957 at age 47, although he also teamed at age 51 with Sam Snead to win the Canada Cup for the U.S. in Puerto Rico.

Demaret's playing style was developed by necessity through the windy conditions of his native Texas. He favored a low fade (left-to-right flight) on his longer shots; the method gave good distance and excellent control. His skills were highly rated by his contemporaries; Ben Hogan, whose career overshadowed his, opined that he was the best player he had ever seen in windy conditions.[4]

Demaret was known for his flamboyant personality, which he enhanced by wearing bright-colored clothing during tournaments; he had his clothes specially made, and became a fan favorite. As a result, he was known by his nickname, "The Wardrobe." He had a very good baritone voice and talent as a comedian; he frequently entertained at nightclubs at Tour stops.[5]

Demaret was one of the first Tour pros to become involved in golf broadcasting. After working as a commentator for "All Star Golf" in the early 1960s, he replaced George Rogers in 1966 as co-host for Shell's Wonderful World of Golf with Gene Sarazen, the first winner of the career grand slam.

Business partner and double-major winner Jack Burke Jr. and Demaret started the high-standard 36-hole Champions Golf Club in Houston in the late 1950s. It hosted the 1967 Ryder Cup, the 1969 U.S. Open, the 1993 U.S. Amateur, and other high-profile events.

The over-70s groupings on the Senior PGA Tour were named the "Friends of Demaret" in his honor.

Death

[edit]

Demaret died of a heart attack at age 73 in Houston on December 28, 1983, as he was preparing for his daily ride around the Champions course.[1][2][3] He was the third of the former Masters champions to pass away, preceded by Horton Smith in 1963 and Craig Wood in 1968.

[edit]

Awards and honors

[edit]

Professional wins (37)

[edit]
Demaret with wife Idella in 1940

PGA Tour wins (31)

[edit]

Major championships are shown in bold.

Source:[9][10]

Other wins (6)

[edit]

this list may be incomplete

Major championships

[edit]

Wins (3)

[edit]
Year Championship 54 holes Winning score Margin Runner(s)-up
1940 Masters Tournament 1 shot lead −8 (67-72-70-71=280) 4 strokes United States Lloyd Mangrum
1947 Masters Tournament (2) 3 shot lead −7 (69-71-70-71=281) 2 strokes United States Byron Nelson, United States Frank Stranahan
1950 Masters Tournament (3) 4 shot deficit −5 (70-72-72-69=283) 2 strokes Australia Jim Ferrier

Results timeline

[edit]
Tournament 1935 1936 1937 1938 1939
Masters Tournament T33
U.S. Open T16 CUT T22
The Open Championship
PGA Championship R64 R64 R64 R16
Tournament 1940 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948 1949
Masters Tournament 1 T12 6 NT NT NT T4 1 T18 T8
U.S. Open WD WD NT NT NT NT T6 T39 2 WD
The Open Championship NT NT NT NT NT NT
PGA Championship R32 R64 SF NT SF R64 SF QF
Tournament 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959
Masters Tournament 1 T30 WD T45 T29 T34 3 T14 CUT
U.S. Open T20 T14 T15 T4 T29 CUT 3 WD
The Open Championship T10
PGA Championship SF R64 DQ
Tournament 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967
Masters Tournament CUT CUT T5 T43 T32 T35 CUT
U.S. Open
The Open Championship
PGA Championship
  Win
  Top 10
  Did not play

NT = no tournament
WD = withdrew
DQ = disqualified
CUT = missed the half-way cut
R64, R32, R16, QF, SF = Round in which player lost in PGA Championship match play
"T" indicates a tie for a place

Summary

[edit]
Tournament Wins 2nd 3rd Top-5 Top-10 Top-25 Events Cuts made
Masters Tournament 3 0 1 6 8 11 24 19
U.S. Open 0 1 1 3 4 9 17 11
The Open Championship 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1
PGA Championship 0 0 4 5 6 7 14 13
Totals 3 1 6 14 19 28 56 44
  • Most consecutive cuts made – 11 (1941 PGA – 1949 Masters)
  • Longest streak of top-10s – 6 (1942 Masters – 1947 Masters)

U.S. national team appearances

[edit]

Professional

See also

[edit]

References

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

Jimmy Demaret

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
James Newton "Jimmy" Demaret (May 24, 1910 – December 28, 1983) was an American professional golfer renowned for his 31 victories between 1935 and 1957, including three wins in 1940, 1947, and 1950, making him the first player to claim that major three times. Born in , , as the fourth of nine children to a house painter, Demaret took up as a at age 13 and turned professional in 1929 at the age of 19. His breakthrough came in 1938 with his first win at the San Francisco Match-Play Championship, followed by a dominant 1940 season where he secured six victories, including his initial Masters title. Demaret's peak form continued post-World War II service in the U.S. Navy (1943–1945), with another six wins in 1947, highlighted by his second Masters triumph; that year, he also earned the for the lowest scoring average (69.90) and led the tour in money winnings with $27,936. Beyond his competitive success, Demaret was celebrated for his flamboyant personality and fashion sense—earning the nickname "The Wardrobe" for his vibrant attire, such as apricot sweaters and electric blue outfits—which brought color and charisma to the often staid world of professional golf. He maintained a perfect 6–0–0 record in play across four U.S. teams (1941, 1947, 1949, and 1951; the 1941 match canceled due to ), contributing to American dominance in the event. A close friend and frequent partner of fellow Texan , Demaret co-authored the 1954 book My Partner, Ben Hogan, offering insights into their shared experiences on tour. Demaret's influence extended into golf's growth and evolution after his playing career waned. He co-founded the prestigious Champions Golf Club in Houston in 1957 with oilman Jack Burke Jr., designing its courses and hosting major events like the 1967 Ryder Cup and 1969 U.S. Open. As a pioneer in golf broadcasting, he co-hosted the influential television series Shell's Wonderful World of Golf with Gene Sarazen in the 1960s, helping popularize the sport on screen. Often called the "Father of the Senior Tour," Demaret conceived the Legends of Golf tournament in 1978, which evolved into the modern PGA Tour Champions circuit and revitalized opportunities for older professionals. His legacy was cemented with inductions into the PGA Hall of Fame in 1960 and the World Golf Hall of Fame class of 1983, shortly before his death from a heart attack at Champions Golf Club.

Early Life

Childhood and Family

James Newton Demaret was born on May 24, 1910, in , , to John O'Brien Demaret, a house painter and handyman, and Lila Mae Winkler Demaret, a homemaker. He was the fourth of nine children in a large family, with five boys among the siblings, which contributed to an environment where early responsibilities were common. The Demaret family endured modest socioeconomic circumstances, marked by grinding poverty in early 20th-century , where financial struggles often left meals uncertain and prompted some children to live with relatives to alleviate household burdens. John's profession as a house painter tied the family to the Galveston area, where he originated, influencing their working-class roots amid the region's economic challenges for laborers. Demaret received limited formal education, dropping out of school before junior high—after completing the eighth grade—to contribute to the family's support through manual work. This early exit from schooling reflected the practical necessities of his upbringing, though he later viewed pursuits like as potential escapes from such labor.

Introduction to Golf

Jimmy Demaret's introduction to came during his childhood in , where his family's modest circumstances allowed him to spend time at local public courses. At around the age of ten in 1920, he began caddying at , a municipal course that served as a hub for aspiring young golfers from working-class backgrounds. He soon expanded his experience to , another nearby public facility originally established as a military site and converted into a , where he honed his early understanding of the game by carrying bags for players and observing their techniques. Through these caddying opportunities, Demaret developed a self-taught characterized by its fluidity and power, relying on keen observation of better players rather than formal instruction. His natural talent quickly emerged, as he practiced relentlessly on the public courses and began competing in local amateur events. At age 13, he secured his first victory in a competitive tournament in 1923, followed by participation in junior competitions, including a match representing Northside High School—the only amateur tournament he is noted to have played in before turning professional. These early successes highlighted his prodigious ability and set the stage for further development. In the early , Demaret transitioned into a more structured learning environment through under local professionals, which refined his skills and provided practical experience in club operations. At around age 14, he moved from the ranks to the pro shop at , where he served as an assistant to esteemed pro Jack Burke Sr., performing tasks like club building and maintenance while absorbing advanced instruction. This at the prestigious club, which lasted until he was about 15 or 16, marked a pivotal step in his progression, bridging his informal beginnings to a deeper immersion in the sport's professional aspects.

Professional Golf Career

Turning Professional and Early Success

Jimmy Demaret transitioned to professional golf in the early 1930s after serving as a caddie and club employee during his youth, building on self-taught skills honed through competitive play. In 1932, at age 22, he secured his first head professional position at the Galveston Municipal Golf Course in Texas, marking his formal entry into the profession. This role provided stability and exposure to challenging coastal winds, which sharpened his ball-striking precision essential for tour success. Demaret's breakthrough came in 1934 when he captured the PGA Championship, his first major title as a professional, earning $25 for the victory. He dominated the event thereafter, securing four additional wins to claim five consecutive PGA Championships from 1934 through 1938, a streak that solidified his regional reputation and boosted his confidence for national competition. During the mid-1930s, Demaret began entering PGA Tour events sporadically, facing initial struggles against established stars amid limited travel and resources as a club pro. His persistence paid off in 1938 with his debut PGA Tour victory at the San Francisco National Match Play Open, where he defeated Sam Snead 4-and-3 in the 36-hole final to claim the $1,000 first prize. The following year, in 1939, he won the Los Angeles Open by seven strokes with a tournament-record total of 274, including a final-round 69, further establishing his consistency on the circuit. These two pre-1940 triumphs—amid a handful of top-10 finishes—highlighted his growing prowess and set the stage for broader tour dominance.

Peak Achievements and Major Wins

Jimmy Demaret reached the height of his professional golf career during the , a decade marked by his exceptional play on the and his unprecedented success at the . In 1940, he captured six victories in just 13 starts, showcasing his precision and competitive edge early in the era. His crowning achievement that year was his first Masters title at , where he posted rounds of 67-72-70-71 for a total of 280, securing a four-stroke victory over runner-up —the largest margin in tournament history at that point. Demaret's dominance continued through the mid-1940s, culminating in a banner 1947 season with six PGA Tour wins, including his second Masters triumph. At the 1947 Masters, he became the first player to shoot four sub-par rounds in the event, finishing at 281 (69-71-70-71) to win by two strokes ahead of and amateur [Frank Stranahan](/page/Frank Stranahan). That year, Demaret also earned the for the lowest scoring average of 69.90 and led the in earnings with $27,936, underscoring his consistency and financial success amid the tour's postwar resurgence. In 1950, as the PGA Tour fully recovered from disruptions with expanded schedules and increased participation, Demaret achieved a historic milestone by winning his third Masters, making him the first three-time champion in the tournament's history. Trailing by four strokes entering the final round, he fired a 69 to Jim Ferrier's 75, closing at 283 for a two-stroke edge over the runner-up. Throughout the , Demaret further solidified his legacy with an undefeated record, going 3-0-0 in 1947 matches en route to a career-perfect 6-0-0 across three teams, contributing to U.S. victories in each appearance.

Overall Tournament Victories

Jimmy Demaret amassed 31 victories on the over a career spanning from 1935 to 1957. These wins included three triumphs in 1940, 1947, and 1950, which contributed to his overall tour success. His victories showcased consistent excellence, particularly during peak years, with a notable pattern of multiple triumphs in single seasons; for instance, he secured six wins in 1940 alone, including the Oakland Open, , New Orleans Open, St. Petersburg Open, Match Play, and the . Beyond his major championships, Demaret's PGA Tour record featured several standout non-major victories that highlighted his versatility and regional strength. Representative examples include his 1939 win, where he finished seven strokes ahead with a total of 274, and the 1947 Open, marking one of seven tour successes that year. In 1950, he captured the Ben Hogan Open (also known as the that year), defeating by one stroke. His final PGA Tour victory came in 1957 at the Baton Rouge Open Invitational, after which he recorded no further wins at age 47. In addition to his 31 PGA Tour titles, Demaret achieved six other professional victories, bringing his total to 37. These non-tour events included five consecutive PGA Championships from 1934 to 1938, starting with his first professional win in 1934 at age 24, as well as the 1935 Open. Other notable successes encompassed local pro-am and invitational events, underscoring his early dominance in regional circuits before transitioning to national prominence.

National Team Appearances

Jimmy Demaret represented the in three competitions following , contributing to victories in each event while maintaining a perfect individual record. His participation highlighted his role as a key team player in an era when American dominance in the matches was firmly established. In the 1947 Ryder Cup at Portland Golf Club in Oregon, Demaret paired with in the foursomes to defeat Jimmy Adams and Max Faulkner by 2 up, then secured a singles win over by 3 and 2. The U.S. team overwhelmed with an 11-1 victory, marking a resounding return to the competition after wartime interruptions. Demaret returned for the 1949 Ryder Cup at Ganton Golf Club in , where he teamed with Clayton Heafner in the foursomes for a 4-and-3 win against and Sam King, followed by a dominant 7-and-6 singles triumph over Arthur Lees. This performance helped the U.S. secure a narrow 7-5 win, retaining the cup on foreign soil. His final Ryder Cup appearance came in 1951 at Pinehurst No. 2 in , partnering again with in the to beat Fred Daly and Ken Bousfield by 5 and 4, and then defeating once more in singles by 2 up. The prevailed 9.5-2.5, underscoring Demaret's consistency in team formats. Across these three events, Demaret compiled an impeccable 6-0-0 record, never losing a match and earning all six possible points for his team—a feat that stands as one of the most flawless in history for players with multiple appearances. Although he competed as an earlier in his career, no records confirm his participation in the , with his professional team contributions centered on the postwar .

Later Life and Legacy

Retirement and Broadcasting

Demaret's last wins came in 1957, when he secured three victories including the Thunderbird Invitational (January), Baton Rouge Open Invitational (March), and Arlington Hotel Open (May) at age 47. He retired from full-time competitive thereafter but continued to play occasionally, including in the Masters until 1967. He continued to participate in occasional senior events thereafter, helping lay the groundwork for organized competitions in the years that followed. Transitioning seamlessly into media, Demaret became a pioneering voice in during the and . He served as a commentator and host for 's Golf series starting in the late , providing insightful analysis of exhibition matches between top professionals. From 1966 onward, he co-hosted the acclaimed on through the 1970s alongside , a program that showcased stroke-play challenges at iconic courses worldwide and significantly boosted 's visibility on television. Beyond broadcasting, Demaret's charismatic and flamboyant persona led him to entertainment pursuits, where his humor and showmanship shone. A talented singer, he performed in nightclubs throughout his touring days, often entertaining crowds with songs like "" and stand-up routines that highlighted his quick wit. He also ventured into acting, appearing in the 1953 film alongside and , playing himself in scenes that poked fun at the duo's golfing mishaps. Demaret's colorful style—marked by loud attire and infectious personality—endeared him to audiences, extending his influence far beyond the fairways. His enduring friendship with Ben Hogan, forged through years of rivalry and camaraderie on tour, was captured in Demaret's 1954 book My Partner, Ben Hogan, a lighthearted account of their shared experiences in the sport.

Course Design and Other Ventures

After retiring from competitive play, Jimmy Demaret turned his attention to golf course architecture and club management, co-founding Champions Golf Club in Houston, Texas, in 1957 alongside fellow professional Jack Burke Jr.. The club, designed to host major events, quickly became a premier facility, serving as the site for the 1967 Ryder Cup and the U.S. Women's Mid-Amateur in 1998 and 2017; Demaret remained deeply involved in its daily operations as a key partner until his death in 1983. Beyond Champions, Demaret contributed to the design of several notable courses, including Onion Creek Club in Austin, Texas, where he shaped the layout to emphasize natural terrain and hosted the inaugural Legends of Golf tournament in 1978, laying the groundwork for the Senior PGA Tour. He also collaborated on projects like The Monster Golf Club in the Catskills, working with architect Joe Finger and Burke to create an 18-hole layout in the early 1960s. Demaret extended his influence through writing, authoring books that blended personal anecdotes with golf instruction. His 1954 memoir, My Partner, Ben Hogan, detailed his friendship and professional partnership with , offering insights into their travels and triumphs on the following Hogan's near-fatal 1949 car accident. Demaret also produced instructional content, drawing from his experience as a three-time Masters champion to guide aspiring players on technique and course strategy. In addition to architecture and writing, Demaret pursued various promotional and educational ventures that popularized the sport. His promotional efforts extended to endorsements and exhibitions, leveraging his charismatic personality to attract new audiences; notably, Demaret pioneered vibrant, colorful attire on the , donning pastel slacks, patterned shirts, and matching shoes that earned him the nickname "The Wardrobe" and helped modernize fashion by challenging the era's conservative dress norms. These initiatives complemented his later work, further amplifying his role as a ambassador.

Death

Jimmy Demaret died on December 28, 1983, at the age of 73, from a heart attack while preparing to take a ride at in , , a course with which he had a long association as co-founder and designer. He was pronounced dead at the scene, with no prior major health issues publicly noted. A private funeral was held in Houston, attended by about 25 people, including fellow golfer , and Demaret was buried at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery. Tributes from peers followed, with stating, "To Jimmy golf was a part of life. He loved it and he loved people. He was one of a kind."

Awards and Honors

Jimmy Demaret received numerous accolades throughout his career, recognizing his exceptional achievements on the and his contributions to the sport. In 1947, he earned the for posting the lowest scoring average on the at 69.90, a testament to his precision and consistency during a dominant season that included five victories. That same year, Demaret led the in earnings with $27,936, highlighting his prowess in an era when was modest and competition fierce. Demaret's induction into various halls of fame further cemented his legacy as one of golf's pioneers. He was enshrined in the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in 1957, honoring his roots as a native and his multiple PGA titles. In 1960, he joined the PGA of America Hall of Fame, acknowledging his 31 tour wins and undefeated record. The Metropolitan PGA Section inducted him in 1976, recognizing his impact on professional golf in the Northeast despite his primary affiliations in and . Finally, in 1983, Demaret was selected for the , where his flamboyant style and three Masters triumphs were celebrated as enduring influences on the game's popularity.
Award/HonorYearSignificance
1947Lowest scoring average (69.90); awarded for exceptional ball-striking and consistency.
Leading Money Winner1947Top earnings ($27,936); reflected peak performance in a post-war competitive landscape.
Texas Sports Hall of Fame1957Honored regional dominance and contributions to Texas golf heritage.
PGA of America Hall of Fame1960Recognized 31 tour victories and role in elevating professional .
Metropolitan PGA Hall of Fame1976Acknowledged broader influence on PGA sections nationwide.
1983Immortalized as a trailblazer for his Masters record and charismatic promotion of the sport.

References

  1. https://www.pgatour.com/player/06248/jimmy-demaret
  2. https://www.nytimes.com/1983/12/29/obituaries/jimmy-demaret-first-golfer-to-win-3-masters-dies-at-73.html
  3. https://www.texasgolfhof.org/exhibit/jimmy-demaret
  4. https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/demaret-jimmie-newton
  5. https://www.golfdigest.com/story/20000331billfields
  6. https://www.chron.com/local/history/sports/article/Demaret-and-Burke-Jr-the-driving-force-behind-8322093.php
  7. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/184743-golfs-true-hero-jimmy-demaret
  8. https://www.tshof.org/news/jimmy-demaret-inductee-of-the-week
  9. https://www.thememorialtournament.com/the-memorial/honorees/jimmy-demaret/
  10. https://www.nytimes.com/1938/02/14/archives/demarket-defeats-snead-by-4-and-3-texan-wins-final-stated-for-36.html
  11. https://www.nytimes.com/1939/01/10/archives/demaret-shoots-69-for-total-of-274-to-finish-first-in-los-angeles.html
  12. https://www.golfcompendium.com/2018/10/1940-masters.html
  13. https://www.golfcompendium.com/2018/10/1947-masters-tournament.html
  14. https://www.golfcompendium.com/2021/09/vardon-trophy-winners-pga.html
  15. https://www.golfmonthly.com/tour/pga-tour-money-list-leaders
  16. https://www.golfcompendium.com/2018/11/1950-masters.html
  17. https://www.met.pga.com/hall-of-famer/demaret/
  18. https://www.golfcompendium.com/2020/04/1947-ryder-cup.html
  19. https://www.golfcompendium.com/2020/04/1949-ryder-cup.html
  20. https://www.golfcompendium.com/2020/04/1951-ryder-cup.html
  21. https://www.where2golf.com/golf-tournaments/results/player/jimmy-demaret/
  22. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0277464/
  23. https://www.texasgolfhof.org/exhibit/jimmy-demaret/
  24. https://www.nytimes.com/1984/04/24/sports/sports-of-the-times-another-party-for-jimmy.html
  25. https://fore.scga.org/news/vintage-screens-golf-in-hollywood-history
  26. https://books.google.com/books/about/My_Partner_Ben_Hogan.html?id=Qw_fbmZUElYC
  27. https://www.championsgolfclub.com/story
  28. https://www.pgatour.com/article/news/latest/2024/01/19/two-time-major-winner-jack-burke-jr-dies-at-100
  29. https://www.golfcoursearchitecture.net/content/PgrID/573/PageID/49/artmid/574/articleid/9793
  30. https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/jimmy-demaret-golfer.htm
  31. https://www.upi.com/Archives/1983/12/28/Golfing-great-Jimmy-Demaret-died-Wednesday-of-an-apparent/2574441435600/
  32. https://golfweek.usatoday.com/story/sports/golf/2023/12/27/photos-masters-winner-jimmy-demaret-through-the-years/76364640007/
  33. https://www.upi.com/Archives/1983/12/29/Family-members-planned-a-private-funeral-for-golfing-great/8829441522000/
  34. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/8275475/jimmy_n-demaret
  35. https://www.nytimes.com/1948/01/04/archives/demaret-winner-of-vardon-trophy-texas-pro-golfer-gains-award-for.html
  36. https://www.golfcompendium.com/2018/11/yearly-pga-tour-money-leaders.html
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.