Bobby Locke
A master of precision and pace who dominated global golf with his unique putting style and four British Open titles.
1917–1987 (age 70)·South African professional golfer·Birthday: November 20·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Bobby Locke, with his trademark plus-fours and deliberate, rhythmic swing, brought a methodical South African brilliance to the world's golf courses in the post-war era. He wasn't a long hitter, but his game was built on impeccable course management, a peerless short game, and a putting stroke so consistent it seemed mechanical. After proving himself a dominant force at home, he traveled to America and promptly beat the great Sam Snead in a famous series of matches. His true dominion, however, was The Open Championship, which he won four times between 1949 and 1957, often in foul British weather that suited his low, controlled ball flight. Locke's success introduced a strategic, percentage-based approach to the game, proving that power was secondary to placement and nerve.
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.
Bobby was born in 1917, 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 Bobby Was Born
The biggest hits of 1917
#1 Movie
Cleopatra
Bobby's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1917Born
Russian Revolution overthrows the tsar; US enters WWI
President: Woodrow Wilson
1922Started school
King Tut's tomb discovered in Egypt
President: Warren G. Harding"April Showers" — Al Jolson
1930Became a teenager
Pluto discovered
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $3,510President: Herbert Hoover"Body and Soul" — Paul WhitemanBest Picture: All Quiet on the Western Front
1933Could drive
FDR's New Deal launches; Prohibition ends
Gas: $0.18/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Stormy Weather" — Ethel WatersBest Picture: Cavalcade
1935Could vote
Social Security Act signed into law
Gas: $0.19/galHome: $3,450President: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Cheek to Cheek" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: Mutiny on the Bounty
1938Turned 21
Kristallnacht and the escalation toward WWII
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $2,850Min wage: $0.25/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Begin the Beguine" — Artie ShawBest Picture: You Can't Take It with You
1947Turned 30
India gains independence; the Dead Sea Scrolls found
Gas: $0.23/galHome: $6,600Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Near You" — Francis CraigBest Picture: Gentleman's Agreement
1957Turned 40
Sputnik launches the Space Age
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $10,550Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"All Shook Up" — Elvis PresleyBest Picture: The Bridge on the River Kwai
1967Turned 50
Summer of Love in San Francisco; first Super Bowl
Gas: $0.33/galHome: $14,250Min wage: $1.40/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"To Sir, with Love" — LuluBest Picture: In the Heat of the Night
1977Turned 60
Star Wars premieres; Elvis dies
Gas: $0.62/galHome: $31,800Min wage: $2.30/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Tonight's the Night" — Rod StewartBest Picture: Annie Hall
1987Turned 70
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
Key Achievements
- Won The Open Championship four times (1949, 1950, 1952, 1957).
- Captured 15 official PGA Tour events during his competitive forays in the United States.
- Won the South African Open a record nine times.
- Accumulated over 50 significant professional tournament victories worldwide.
Did You Know?
He was known for using a hickory-shafted putter for his entire career, long after steel shafts became standard.
A near-fatal car accident in 1960 effectively ended his competitive career at its peak.
He served as a bomber pilot for the South African Air Force during World War II.
His distinctive, hunched-over putting stance was described as looking like 'a man playing a cello'.
“You drive for show, but putt for dough.”
