Bill Glasson, American golfer

William Lee Glasson, Jr., born on April 29, 1960, is a distinguished American professional golfer whose career is marked by notable victories on the PGA Tour, a powerful swing, and remarkable resilience in the face of significant health challenges. Hailing from Fresno, California, Glasson's journey in golf began to take shape during his collegiate years.

His talent was evident early on during his time at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he was an integral member of the golf team. There, his exceptional skill earned him the prestigious honor of being named a two-time All-American, a testament to his prowess at the amateur level.

A Promising Start and PGA Tour Triumphs

Upon turning professional in 1983, Glasson quickly made his presence felt on the PGA Tour. By 1984, he had already established a reputation for his prodigious drives, leading the PGA Tour in driving distance – a highly coveted statistic that underscores a golfer's power and ability to cover vast stretches of the course with a single swing.

Throughout his professional career, Glasson amassed a total of nine victories, including seven official PGA Tour events and two non-official tournaments. His inaugural PGA Tour win, a moment of true sporting drama, came at the 1985 Kemper Open. In a spectacular display of tenacity and skill, Glasson found himself trailing the leader, Larry Mize, by a considerable seven strokes with only 14 holes left to play. What followed was a memorable charge, capped by an incredible 45-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole, sealing a final round of 66. This heroic finish propelled him to a one-stroke victory over both Mize and fellow competitor Corey Pavin, marking his arrival on the professional stage in unforgettable fashion.

Seven years later, Glasson returned to the winner's circle at the same prestigious event, capturing his second Kemper Open title in 1992. While a major championship eluded him, he certainly contended at the highest level, achieving his best finish in a major at the 1995 U.S. Open, where he tied for 4th place. His consistent performance throughout his career is further highlighted by over 60 top-10 finishes on the PGA Tour, accumulating more than $6.7 million in career earnings. At one point, his consistent play earned him a spot among the top 50 in the Official World Golf Ranking, affirming his status as one of the game's elite. His final victory on the Tour was at the 1997 Las Vegas Invitational, showcasing his enduring competitive spirit.

Battling Adversity: Injuries and Resilience

As Glasson entered his 40s, his career on the PGA Tour became increasingly challenging, largely due to a relentless series of medical problems. These health issues made it difficult for him to maintain his PGA Tour privileges, a constant battle for many professional golfers. During this period, he also competed on the Nationwide Tour (now the Korn Ferry Tour), where he continued to demonstrate flashes of his talent, with his best finish being a 2nd place at the 2003 Northeast Pennsylvania Classic.

The extent of Glasson's physical struggles is truly remarkable; he has undergone at least 19 surgeries on various parts of his body, including his elbow, sinus, knee, lip, forearm, and lower back. Such a demanding regimen of medical procedures would test the resolve of any athlete, and Glasson famously encapsulated his struggle in 1994, stating, "For me, breakfast is a bowl of Advil." This quote vividly illustrates the chronic pain and constant management required for him to continue playing the game he loved.

Transition to the Champions Tour

Following his 50th birthday on April 29, 2010, William Lee Glasson, Jr. transitioned to the Champions Tour, continuing his professional golf career among his peers. Even after a career fraught with physical challenges, his passion for the game and his competitive drive remained strong.

Today, William Lee Glasson, Jr. resides in Stillwater, Oklahoma, a testament to a career defined by both exceptional talent and unwavering perseverance.

Frequently Asked Questions About William Lee Glasson, Jr.

When and where was William Lee Glasson, Jr. born?
William Lee Glasson, Jr. was born on April 29, 1960, in Fresno, California.
What were his notable achievements in college golf?
He attended Oral Roberts University, where he was a distinguished member of the golf team and earned the recognition of being a two-time All-American.
How many official PGA Tour events did Glasson win?
William Lee Glasson, Jr. won seven official PGA Tour events throughout his career, along with two non-official events, for a total of nine professional victories.
What was special about his first PGA Tour win?
His first win at the 1985 Kemper Open was particularly dramatic. He overcame a seven-stroke deficit with 14 holes remaining and secured the victory with a memorable 45-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole.
Did he ever lead the PGA Tour in any statistical categories?
Yes, in 1984, William Lee Glasson, Jr. led the PGA Tour in driving distance, showcasing his powerful game.
What was his best performance in a major championship?
Glasson's best finish in a major championship was a tie for 4th place at the 1995 U.S. Open.
What significant challenges did he face in his career?
He endured numerous medical problems, leading to at least 19 surgeries on various parts of his body, including his elbow, sinus, knee, lip, forearm, and lower back, which significantly impacted his ability to maintain his PGA Tour privileges.
When did he begin playing on the Champions Tour?
He became eligible for and began playing on the Champions Tour after his 50th birthday, which was on April 29, 2010.