Columnist Peter Benton: Texas’ Burke honored with USGA award

Peter Benton

Wednesday, April 28, 2004 | 9:13 a.m.

Peter Benton's golf column appears Wednesday.

It has been announced by the United States Golf Association that 80-year-old, Jack "Jackie" Burke Jr. is the recipient of the 2004 Bob Jones Award.

Burke, of Houston, won both the 1956 Masters and PGA Championship, before gaining fame as an instructor and co-founder (along with dear friend Jimmy Demaret) of the Champions Golf Club in Houston.

Presented annually since 1955, the Bob Jones Award -- the USGA's top award -- is given in recognition of distinguished sportsmanship in golf. It seeks to recognize a person who emulates Jones' spirit, his personal qualities along with his attitude toward the game and payers.

"The rules and lessons of the game that were important to Bob Jones are the heart of golf," said Burke. "I knew Bob Jones and exactly what he stood for. It is truly special for me to be recognized in his honor by an organization I wholly respect for something that has been my life's work and employment."

Besdies 17 professional victories, Burke earned the Vardon Trophy for low scoring average on Tour in 1952 and had a 7-1 record in five Ryder Cup appearances. He was a head professional before the age of 20, following in his father's footsteps, and was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2000. He received the PGA Tour's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003.

Burke was the last player to win four consecutive professional titles before Tiger Woods won four in a row in 1999.

In the senior division, Mike Harper, (Royal Links,) outdueled Jerry Roberts, (Walters Golf,) in the final 2-up.

From UNR, Andrew relocated to Arizona to further his golfing career where he taught at both the Grayhawk Golf Club and the prestigious Desert Mountain Country Club. He has spent the past couple of years playing on the Hooter's Tour.

At DragonRidge, Andrew will provide lessons to golfers of all skill levels at various cost packages and time frames, along with programs designed for groups, individuals and junior golfers.

Format for this event is 36-hole stroke play with an entry fee of $170. This figure include green fees, cart, prizes and an awards luncheon.

Entries are open to women with a verifiable USGA handicap administered by the SNGA. The field is limited to the first 100 entries received. Although there is no handicap limit, the maximum course handicap for this event will be 36.

For further information, visit the WSNGA Web site at www.nevadawomensgolf.org or call Dianne at 255-2286.