Jerry Barber, American golfer (d. 1994)

Carl Jerome Barber, born on April 25, 1916, and passing away on September 23, 1994, was a distinguished American professional golfer whose career spanned a significant era of the sport. Known affectionately by many as "little Jerry Barber" due to his modest stature, he carved out a remarkable legacy, marked by seven victories on the highly competitive PGA Tour, including one of golf's most coveted major championships, the PGA Championship in 1961.

Early Life and Journey to Professional Golf

Jerry Barber's roots were firmly planted in the heartland of America. He was born in Woodson, Illinois, and grew up as one of nine children on an Illinois farm situated near Jacksonville. This humble upbringing instilled in him a strong work ethic and a grounded perspective that he carried throughout his life. In 1942, Barber made the pivotal decision to turn professional, embarking on a career that would see him become a prominent figure in golf. Despite standing at 5 feet 5 and a half inches (1.66 m), a relatively small build for a professional athlete, Barber possessed an extraordinary touch on the greens. He was widely recognized as one of the finest putters of his generation, a skill that often compensated for any perceived disadvantage in driving distance and allowed him to compete at the highest level.

A Distinguished PGA Tour Career

Barber became a full-time fixture on the PGA Tour from 1948 to 1962, a period that saw golf's popularity surge and the emergence of legendary figures. During these years, his consistent play and remarkable putting prowess earned him numerous accolades. Beyond his seven individual tour victories, he represented the United States with pride in two Ryder Cup teams, first in 1955 and again in 1961. In a testament to his leadership and respect among his peers, he was also appointed as the team captain for the 1961 Ryder Cup, an honor that speaks volumes about his character and influence within the sport. Like many touring professionals of his era, before the exponential growth in prize money, Barber supplemented his income and maintained his connection to the game by working primarily as a club professional. His dedication saw him serve at the prestigious Wilshire Country Club in Los Angeles, a common pathway for many talented golfers of his time to earn a living while pursuing their competitive ambitions. The year 1961 proved to be the pinnacle of his competitive career, as Barber was named the PGA Tour Player of the Year, a remarkable achievement that saw him temporarily unseat the then-dominant force of Arnold Palmer, underscoring the magnitude of his success.

The Thrilling 1961 PGA Championship Victory

The 1961 PGA Championship, held in Illinois near Chicago, remains one of the most memorable moments of Jerry Barber's career, showcasing his extraordinary resilience and putting genius under immense pressure. The tournament was plagued by challenging weather conditions, with heavy rains washing out Friday's second round, necessitating its replay on Saturday, which then compressed the final two rounds into a grueling Sunday. Barber found himself in a strong position, leading after the second round. However, as the final round unfolded under intense heat and humidity, he trailed Don January by four shots with only three holes left to play. What followed was a display of putting artistry that has become legendary. Barber first sank a crucial twenty-foot (6 m) birdie putt on the 16th hole, narrowing the deficit. He then followed it with an improbable forty-foot (12 m) par-saving putt on the 17th, keeping his hopes alive. The climax arrived on the 18th hole, where Barber holed an astonishing sixty-foot (18 m) birdie putt, miraculously tying January and forcing an 18-hole Monday playoff. The dramatic Sunday finish was made even more remarkable by the fact that due to the double-rounds and another lengthy rain delay in the morning, Barber and January did not complete their final rounds until well past 8 pm. The next day, Barber, at age 45, sealed his major championship victory by a single stroke when Don January bogeyed the 18th hole in the playoff. At the time, he became the oldest player to win a major title, a record that stood until Julius Boros surpassed it seven years later in 1968 at the age of 48.

Later Life, Legacy, and Personal Details

Jerry Barber's career was also marked by incredible longevity. In February 1994, he set a remarkable record for the oldest player to ever compete on the PGA Tour, playing in the Buick Invitational at Torrey Pines at the extraordinary age of 77 years and 10 months. This appearance cemented his status as a true veteran and an enduring figure in the sport. Beyond the golf course, Barber even ventured into the world of entertainment, portraying himself in a guest appearance on episode #23, titled "Watch the Birdie," of the popular television sitcom I Dream of Jeannie in 1966, adding a charming cultural footnote to his life story. Jerry Barber was a family man, married to Lucile, who sadly passed away from cancer in 1968. Together, they had five children: Tom, Nancy, twins Sandra and Sally, and Roger. Barber himself passed away later in 1994, in Glendale, California, at the age of 78, following complications from mitral valve prolapse and a stroke. His legacy endures as a testament to skill, perseverance, and a deep love for the game of golf.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many major championships did Jerry Barber win?
Jerry Barber won one major championship: the PGA Championship in 1961.
What was Jerry Barber's most famous victory?
His most famous victory was undoubtedly the 1961 PGA Championship, where he overcame a significant deficit with three holes to play and won in a dramatic playoff.
Was Jerry Barber a Ryder Cup captain?
Yes, Jerry Barber was a player on the U.S. Ryder Cup teams in 1955 and 1961, and he also served as the team captain in 1961.
What was unique about Jerry Barber's playing style?
Despite his relatively small stature, Jerry Barber was renowned for being one of the top putters of his era. His exceptional skill on the greens was a defining characteristic of his game.
Did Jerry Barber hold any age-related records in golf?
Yes, at age 45, he was the oldest player at the time to win a major title (the 1961 PGA Championship), a record later surpassed by Julius Boros. He also holds the record for the oldest player to ever play on the PGA Tour, competing at the age of 77 years and 10 months in 1994.
What was Jerry Barber's role beyond playing on the PGA Tour?
Like many professional golfers of his generation, Jerry Barber earned a living primarily as a club professional, notably working at Los Angeles' Wilshire Country Club.
How tall was Jerry Barber?
Jerry Barber stood 5 feet 5 and a half inches (1.66 meters) tall, earning him the nickname "little Jerry Barber."
When did Jerry Barber pass away?
Jerry Barber passed away on September 23, 1994, at the age of 78.