Gene Sarazen
Golfer; 1935 Masters Champion

Born
February 27th, 1902
123 years ago
Died
May 13th, 1999
26 years ago — 97 years old
Category
Athletes & Sports Figures
Country
United States
Links & References
A professional golfer and sportscaster, achieved prominence in the early 20th century. Won numerous major championships, including the U.S. Open and the British Open. Pioneer of the modern golf swing and contributed to the popularity of golf through media appearances. Known for the invention of the sand wedge, which transformed short game play. Sarazen also served as a golf commentator, offering insights into the sport and its tournaments.
Won the Masters Tournament in 1935
Championship titles include U.S. Open and British Open
Developed the sand wedge
Other People Born on February 27th
Bruno Soares
Brazilian tennis player achieved significant success in men's doubles. Best performance in Grand Slam events included winning the 2016 Australian Open doubles title alongside partner Jamie Murray. Competed for Brazil in multiple Davis Cup ties and represented the country in the Olympics. Recorded numerous titles on the ATP Tour, contributing to a successful professional career spanning over a decade. Known for strong teamwork and competitive spirit on the court.
Continue ReadingAira Samulin
A significant figure in Finnish dance and entrepreneurship, she founded the Aira Samulin Dance School. This institution contributed to the development of numerous dancers and artistic talents in Finland. With a background in various dance styles, her curriculum emphasized both technical skills and artistic expression. In addition to teaching, she performed extensively and participated in significant dance festivals, promoting dance culture in Finland. Her entrepreneurial efforts extended into fashion and event production, showcasing a multifaceted approach to artistic expression and community engagement.
Continue ReadingHenry Wadsworth Longfellow
Born in 1807, this individual was an American poet and educator who became one of the most popular poets of the 19th century. Longfellow was the first American to translate Dante Alighieri's 'Divine Comedy.' He held the position of professor at Harvard College and contributed significantly to American literature. His works include 'Evangeline,' 'The Song of Hiawatha,' and 'Paul Revere's Ride,' which reflect themes of American identity and history. Longfellow's writing style was characterized by melodic verse and accessible themes.
Continue ReadingThomas Hazlehurst
Established a successful business in the early 19th century specializing in the production of quality cotton in England. Hazlehurst & Sons became a key player in the cotton industry, known for its commitment to high standards of production. The company played a significant role in the local economy, contributing to the growth of the industrial sector during that era. The founder's efforts in business management and innovation laid the groundwork for future advancements in the textile industry.
Continue ReadingJames Worthy
Played basketball at the University of North Carolina, leading the Tar Heels to an NCAA Championship in 1982. Drafted first overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1982, contributed to the team's success during the 1980s, winning three NBA championships. Earned the Finals MVP award in 1988 for exceptional performance. After retirement, transitioned to a career in sports broadcasting.
Continue ReadingNatalie Grandin
An English-South African tennis player specialized in doubles. Achieved significant success on the WTA tour with notable performances in Grand Slam events. Competed at the highest levels of the sport and built a reputation as a skilled doubles partner. Contributed to various teams in international competitions, showcasing strong teamwork and strategic play.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on May 13th
Don Ritchie
Contributed significantly to suicide prevention efforts in Australia. Established a prominent role in the local community by assisting individuals facing crises and struggles. Actively engaged in initiatives aimed at raising awareness around mental health issues. Received numerous accolades for selfless contributions to saving lives, earning recognition as a compassionate figure.
Continue ReadingSukanta Bhattacharya
Born in 1926, this individual emerged as a significant figure in Bengali literature. During a short life, produced a substantial body of poetry and plays that reflected contemporary social issues. The work showcased a deep engagement with human emotions and struggles. The literary contributions helped shape modern Bengali poetry, often characterized by vivid imagery and innovative use of language. The impact on future generations of writers was profound, instilling a sense of realism within the realm of Bengali literature. The premature death at age 20 curtailed further contributions but left a lasting legacy in the literary community.
Continue ReadingLeatrice Joy
Leatrice Joy was an American actress prominent during the silent film era. She starred in numerous films from the 1910s to the 1920s, achieving popularity for her performances in romantic dramas and comedies. Joy's career spanned over two decades, and her work included both leading and supporting roles. She appeared in films such as 'The Oath' (1914) and 'The Love Trap' (1925), showcasing her talent in the silent film medium. Joy transitioned to talkies but experienced a decline in popularity as the film industry evolved. Despite this, she remained actively involved in entertainment throughout her life.
Continue ReadingSholem Aleichem
Born in what is now Ukraine, a prominent author and playwright wrote in Yiddish. His works often depicted the lives of Jewish families in Eastern Europe, intertwining humor and social commentary. The character Tevye the Dairyman, featured in stories such as 'Tevye and His Daughters', gained widespread acclaim and inspired the musical 'Fiddler on the Roof'. In the early 20th century, the contributions to Yiddish literature and theater became significant, earning recognition and establishing a legacy that continues to influence Jewish culture.
Continue ReadingDuncan Hamilton
Born in 1920, this individual was an accomplished race car driver and pilot. He gained recognition in the motorsport world during the 1950s. A prominent highlight of his career includes competing in the Le Mans 24 Hours race, where he achieved victory in 1953 driving a car for the Jaguar team. In addition to racing, he also had a successful career as a pilot, navigating aircraft and demonstrating skills in aviation.
Continue ReadingNina Otkalenko
Competed in middle-distance running events, achieving notable success in her athletic career. Participated in the 1956 Summer Olympics held in Melbourne, where she represented the Soviet Union. Excelled in events such as the 800 meters and was recognized for her speed and endurance on the track. Contributed to the development of women’s athletics in her country during a period of significant growth in the sport.
Continue Reading