Al Brosch
A journeyman pro golfer whose career highlight was a stunning victory over the legendary Sam Snead.
1911–1975 (age 64)·American golfer·Birthday: November 8·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Al 'Red' Brosch carved out a solid, if unspectacular, career on the professional golf circuit during the mid-20th century. Known for his consistency rather than a trophy-laden mantle, Brosch was the kind of player who could be counted on to make cuts and challenge in tournaments. His moment in the sun arrived in 1951 at the St. Paul Open, where he delivered the performance of his life. In a dramatic 18-hole playoff, Brosch faced down and defeated Sam Snead, one of the greatest players of all time. This victory defined his career, proving he had the skill and nerve to beat the very best on a given day. While he never captured a major championship, Brosch remained a respected figure on tour, a testament to the depth of talent in golf's early professional era and a reminder that a single brilliant week can etch a name into the sport's history.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Al was born in 1911, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Al Was Born
The biggest hits of 1911
Al's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1911Born
Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire kills 146 in New York
President: William Howard Taft
1916Started school
The Battle of the Somme claims over a million casualties
President: Woodrow Wilson
1924Became a teenager
First Winter Olympics held in Chamonix, France
President: Calvin Coolidge"It Had to Be You" — Isham Jones
1927Could drive
Lindbergh flies solo across the Atlantic; The Jazz Singer premieres
President: Calvin Coolidge"My Blue Heaven" — Gene Austin
1929Could vote
Wall Street crashes, triggering the Great Depression
Gas: $0.21/galPresident: Herbert Hoover"Singin' in the Rain" — Cliff EdwardsBest Picture: The Broadway Melody
1932Turned 21
Amelia Earhart flies solo across the Atlantic
Gas: $0.18/galPresident: Herbert Hoover"Night and Day" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: Grand Hotel
1941Turned 30
Pearl Harbor attack brings the US into WWII
Gas: $0.19/galHome: $3,060Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Chattanooga Choo Choo" — Glenn MillerBest Picture: How Green Was My Valley
1951Turned 40
First color TV broadcast in the US
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $7,925Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Too Young" — Nat King ColeBest Picture: An American in Paris
1961Turned 50
Yuri Gagarin becomes the first human in space
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $12,500Min wage: $1.15/hrPresident: John F. Kennedy"Tossin' and Turnin'" — Bobby LewisBest Picture: West Side Story
1971Turned 60
Voting age lowered to 18 in the US
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $18,100Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"Joy to the World" — Three Dog NightBest Picture: The French Connection
1975Died at 64
Fall of Saigon ends the Vietnam War
Gas: $0.57/galHome: $27,600Min wage: $2.10/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"Love Will Keep Us Together" — Captain & TennilleBest Picture: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
Key Achievements
- Won the 1951 St. Paul Open in a playoff against golf great Sam Snead.
- Finished tied for 13th in the 1952 U.S. Open, his best result in a major championship.
- Recorded multiple top-10 finishes on the PGA Tour throughout the 1940s and 1950s.
- Maintained a professional playing career for over two decades.
Did You Know?
His nickname 'Red' likely came from his hair color.
He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
After his playing days, he worked as a club professional in the New York area.
He was a contemporary and competitor of Ben Hogan and Byron Nelson.
“A good round is built on fairways hit and putts that drop.”
