Richard Karl (born September 28, 1944) is an American professional golfer who is best known as the last golf club professional to win an official PGA Tour event.
Early life and amateur career Karl was born in Johnson City, New York. He played college golf at Florida State University. He won the Alaska State Amateur twice while stationed in the Army there.
Professional career In 1968, Karl turned professional. He won the 1974 B.C. Open by sinking a 35-foot putt on the first hole in a playoff with Bruce Crampton. Karl, who worked at the En-Joie Golf Club in Endicott, New York where the B.C. Open was played and lived along the 10th fairway, is the last club professional to win on the PGA Tour.
Karl played briefly on the Senior PGA Tour starting after he turned 50 in September 1994. His best finish in this venue was a T-5 at the ACE Group Classic. In 2007, Karl played as a sponsor's exemption in the inaugural Dick's Sporting Goods Open, a Champions Tour event played on his home course.
Amateur wins 1965 Alaska State Amateur 1966 Alaska State Amateur
Professional wins (6) PGA Tour wins (1) No.DateTournamentWinning scoreMargin ofvictoryRunner-up1Jul 21, 1974B.C. Open−11 (70-67-68-68=273)Playoff Bruce Crampton
PGA Tour playoff record (1–0) No.YearTournamentOpponentResult11974B.C. Open Bruce CramptonWon with birdie on first extra hole
Other wins (5) 1972 Yuma Open (PGA Tour satellite event) 1982 Iowa PGA Championship 1983 Iowa PGA Championship 1984 Iowa PGA Championship 1985 Iowa PGA Championship
See also
1970 PGA Tour Qualifying School graduates
References
External links