Tony Lema
A charismatic golfer who captivated fans with his champagne celebrations and a stunning major victory at St. Andrews before his life was tragically cut short.
1934–1966 (age 32)·American professional golfer·Birthday: February 25·The Silent Generation
Biography
Tony Lema’s story is one of brilliant, fleeting stardom. After a stint in the Marines, he turned professional and struggled for years before his game and his persona suddenly ignited. Nicknamed 'Champagne Tony' for his habit of offering reporters bubbly after a win, he brought a swashbuckling charm to the tour. His crowning moment came in 1964 at the hallowed Old Course in St. Andrews, where he won The Open Championship in his first attempt at the event, defeating Jack Nicklaus by five strokes. That victory cemented his status as a leading American star. Just two years later, at the peak of his powers, Lema died in a private plane crash while traveling to a tournament, leaving the golf world to mourn a talent and a personality that promised so much more.
The Silent Generation
1928–1945
Born between the Depression and the end of WWII. Too young to fight, old enough to remember. They became the conformist middle managers of the 1950s — and the civil rights leaders who quietly dismantled Jim Crow.
Tony was born in 1934, placing them squarely in The Silent 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 Tony Was Born
The biggest hits of 1934
#1 Movie
It Happened One Night
Best Picture
It Happened One Night
Tony's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1934Born
Gas: $0.19/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Stars Fell on Alabama" — Jack TeagardenBest Picture: It Happened One Night
1939Started school
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
1947Became a teenager
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
1950Could drive
Korean War begins
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $7,354Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Goodnight Irene" — Gordon Jenkins & The WeaversBest Picture: All About Eve
1952Could vote
Queen Elizabeth II ascends the throne
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $8,350Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Blue Tango" — Leroy AndersonBest Picture: The Greatest Show on Earth
1955Turned 21
Rosa Parks refuses to give up her bus seat
Gas: $0.29/galHome: $9,550Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"Rock Around the Clock" — Bill Haley & His CometsBest Picture: Marty
1964Turned 30
Civil Rights Act signed; Beatles arrive in America
Gas: $0.30/galHome: $13,450Min wage: $1.25/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"I Want to Hold Your Hand" — The BeatlesBest Picture: My Fair Lady
1966Died at 32
Star Trek premieres on television
Gas: $0.32/galHome: $14,200Min wage: $1.25/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"The Ballad of the Green Berets" — SSgt Barry SadlerBest Picture: A Man for All Seasons
Key Achievements
- Won The Open Championship at St. Andrews in 1964 in his first-ever appearance in the tournament.
- Secured 12 PGA Tour victories between 1962 and 1966, a rapid ascent to the top of the sport.
- Represented the United States in the 1965 Ryder Cup, contributing to the team's victory.
- Finished in the top ten of the PGA Tour money list for three consecutive years (1963-1965).
Did You Know?
The 'Champagne Tony' nickname originated when he promised reporters champagne if he won the 1962 Orange County Open—he did, and he delivered.
He served as a United States Marine before pursuing golf professionally.
His pilot, who died with him in the 1966 crash, had reportedly mistaken a small airfield for a larger one in poor weather.
He was known for his smooth, rhythmic swing, which many considered one of the most elegant of his era.
His widow used insurance money to establish a scholarship fund in his name.
“Golf is not a game of good shots. It's a game of bad shots.”
