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KEN VENTURI
Inspired by Byron Nelson at the age of 13, Ken Venturi realized that he was destined to become a competitive golfer. As a young man, Venturi practiced for up to eight hours a day. Spending most of his time alone on the golf course, Venturi was able to overcome his childhood stuttering problem. In the solace of golf, a young Ken dreamed of one day winning the U.S. Open.
Ken had a successful amateur career, winning the California State Amateur in 1951 and again in 1956. Later that year Venturi turned professional and began competing on the PGA Tour. Ken’s success as a competitive golfer was undeniable; he claimed 14 PGA Tour victories between 1957 and 1966.
Of all his victories, Ken Venturi is best known for his dramatic win of the 1964 U.S. Open. On the grueling 36-hole final day, temperatures soared above the 100ºF mark and threatened players with heat exhaustion. Ken refused to give in to the brutal heat and humidity. His determination and talent pulled him through the day, allowing him to achieve his childhood dream of winning the U.S. Open. Later that year, Venturi was named PGA Player of the Year and Sports Illustrated’s Sportsman of the Year. In 1965, Ken was also selected as a member of the United States Ryder Cup Team.
Throughout his remarkable career, Ken Venturi battled various physical ailments to remain on the Tour. At age 33, severe carpal tunnel syndrome finally forced him to retire. Having overcome his childhood stuttering problem, Venturi found a new career as a golf analyst for CBS Sports. Ken spent the next 35 years with the network, and retired from CBS Sports in 2002. With his dedicated service to CBS, Ken established a new record as the longest running lead analyst in the history of televised sports. The PGA of America recognized his outstanding career with CBS in 1999 by presenting him with the Lifetime Achievement in Journalism Award.
On May 12, 1999 Ken Venturi was highly honored by his appointment as Captain of the 2000 U.S. President’s Cup Team. After the competition, Ken described the overwhelming American victory and recovery of the coveted President’s Cup trophy as “a great way to cap it all off and wind down a career.” However, Venturi continues to express his lifelong loyalty and respect for the tradition of golf by speaking at corporate outings and charity events throughout the country.
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KEN’S INFO
PROGRAMS/TOPICS
- Humorous and inspirational stories about his work as a professional golfer and golf announcer.
