Sam Snead (1912-2002) was the greatest athlete among golf's great champions. The swing he employed to win tournaments over six decades remains the archetype of power and grace, his longevity the benchmark of an incredible talent.  In more than 50 years as an active competitor, Snead won a record 82 official PGA TOUR events, and he can safely claim more than 140 worldwide. Nicknamed "The Slammer" for the strength of his shots, he won seven major championships.

Once during a discussion of his swing keys, Snead said simply, "I try to feel oily." On another occasion he said, "When I swing at a golf ball right, my mind is blank and my body is loose as a goose."  "Sam Snead," said Gene Sarazen, "is the only person who came into the game possessing every physical attribute - a sound swing, power, a sturdy physique, and no bad habits."

Putting yips eventually stopped Snead from winning at his normal pace.  Still, his achievements in his later years were remarkable. In 1965, Snead, at 52 years and 10 months, became the oldest winner of a PGA TOUR event when he won the Greater Greensboro Open for the eighth time.  He was fourth in the PGA Championship at age 60 in 1972, and third in 1974 at age 62.  "Desire is the most important thing in sport," he once said. "I have it. Jeez, no one has more than I've got."

He was elected to the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974.