Art Wall Jr.
An unflappable golfer who rode a miraculous putting streak to a stunning Masters victory, capturing America's sporting imagination in 1959.
1923–2001 (age 78)·American professional golfer·Birthday: November 25·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Art Wall Jr. was the epitome of the steady, unassuming professional golfer who, for one magical week at Augusta National, became the game's brightest star. The Pennsylvania native, known for his trademark flat cap and calm demeanor, turned professional after serving as a pilot in World War II. For years, he was a consistent tour winner, but his career-defining moment arrived at the 1959 Masters. Trailing by several strokes entering the final round, Wall staged a breathtaking comeback, sinking birdie putts from everywhere on the back nine to card a 66 and snatch the green jacket. That year, he led the PGA Tour in victories and was named Player of the Year, his quiet excellence suddenly celebrated on a national stage. He remained a competitive figure for two more decades, his name forever synonymous with one of the sport's great final-round charges.
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.
Art was born in 1923, 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 Art Was Born
The biggest hits of 1923
#1 Movie
The Covered Wagon
Art's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1923Born
The Great Kanto earthquake devastates Tokyo
President: Calvin Coolidge"Yes! We Have No Bananas" — Billy Jones
1928Started school
Alexander Fleming discovers penicillin; Mickey Mouse debuts
President: Calvin Coolidge"Ol' Man River" — Paul WhitemanBest Picture: Wings
1936Became a teenager
Jesse Owens wins four golds at the Berlin Olympics
Gas: $0.19/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"The Way You Look Tonight" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: The Great Ziegfeld
1939Could drive
World War II begins; The Wizard of Oz premieres
Gas: $0.19/galMin wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Over the Rainbow" — Judy GarlandBest Picture: Gone with the Wind
1941Could vote
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
1944Turned 21
D-Day: Allied forces land at Normandy
Gas: $0.21/galHome: $3,400Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Swinging on a Star" — Bing CrosbyBest Picture: Going My Way
1953Turned 30
DNA structure discovered by Watson and Crick
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $8,750Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"Song from Moulin Rouge" — Percy FaithBest Picture: From Here to Eternity
1963Turned 40
JFK assassinated in Dallas; Martin Luther King's 'I Have a Dream' speech
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $13,100Min wage: $1.25/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"Sugar Shack" — Jimmy Gilmer & The FireballsBest Picture: Tom Jones
1973Turned 50
US withdraws from Vietnam; Roe v. Wade decided
Gas: $0.39/galHome: $22,100Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree" — Tony Orlando & DawnBest Picture: The Sting
1983Turned 60
Internet adopts TCP/IP, creating the modern internet
Gas: $1.16/galHome: $57,700Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Every Breath You Take" — The PoliceBest Picture: Terms of Endearment
1993Turned 70
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Died at 78
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
Key Achievements
- Won the 1959 Masters Tournament with a spectacular final-round 66.
- Led the PGA Tour with four tournament victories in 1959.
- Named PGA Player of the Year in 1959.
- Won 14 events on the PGA Tour throughout his career.
Did You Know?
He was a licensed pilot and served as a flight instructor in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II.
He led the PGA Tour in putting average in 1959, the year of his Masters win.
He won the first-ever PGA Tour event held in Japan, the 1973 Dunlop International.
His son, Greg, also became a professional golfer.
“You have to play the ball where it lies.”
