| A Southwest Missouri golf legend has joined Sam Snead, Gene Sarazen, and Ben Hogan on that first tee in the sky.
Herman Keiser, a native of Springfield, Missouri, passed away December 24, 2003 at the age of 89. His death marked the end of a wonderful career as a golf professional, who in 1946, after a 31-month tour of duty in the United States Navy fighting World War II, won the 1946 Masters.
Mr. Keiser began his golfing career as an Assistant Golf Professional at Portage Country Club in Portage, Ohio. Shortly after his arrival, he became the Head Golf Professional at Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio, which hosted the World Series of Golf just this past year as well as numerous PGA and Champion Tour events.
The highlight of his career came in 1946 when Herman Keiser found himself on the first tee at Augusta National Golf Club preparing to play in a tournament founded by legendary Bobby Jones and won twice by Horton Smith. In fact, Keiser had the pleasure of playing some practice rounds with Horton Smith prior to the first round of the tournament. During these cherished moments, Smith gave Keiser some very important tips that enabled him to read the difficult greens at Augusta.
After three rounds of golf, Keiser found himself 5 strokes ahead of legendary golfer Ben Hogan. Others in the field included the likes of Byron Nelson and Sam Snead. In his final round, Keiser shot a 74, which placed him at 6 under for the tournament. He was emotionally and physically spent and waited to see what Hogan would do after Keiser three-putted the 18th hole for his 74. All Hogan had to do was par the 18th hole, a very difficult Par 4 dogleg right. His second shot landed 12 feet from the hole where Hogan three-putted, giving Keiser the win that he so deserved.
Keiser had remembered what Horton Smith had told him during the practice round. For Keiser, his 1946 win was "the greatest thing that ever happened to me."
In 1947, Keiser continued his golfing excellence by becoming a member of the successful Ryder Cup team that defeated Britain 11 to 1. Shortly after the team's success, Keiser returned to Ohio, where he purchased a driving range and became a life member of the Professional Golfers' Association of America.
Herman Keiser came from Springfield to carve a place for himself in the history of professional golf. He lived a wonderful life and contributed much to the game of golf. Southwest Missouri will always remember Herman Keiser.
[Keiser passed away from complications of Alzheimer's disease. A diary compiled by Keiser's daughter, Diane before his passing may be found here.] Go Back | 
