The best golfer from every U.S. state

Illinois: Bob Goalby

For the most part, Bob Goalby will always be remembered for his role in one of the most historic golf controversies ever. Goalby put on the green jacket by winning The Masters in 1968, but it was by the most unique circumstances possible. In terms of what he and Roberto De Vicenzo both shot in the tournament, they should’ve gone to a playoff. However, Goalby was ultimately named the champion after 72 holes because of a mistake.

Tommy Aaron, who was playing with De Vicenzo in the final round, wrote on De Vicenzo’s scorecard that he made a 4 on the 17th hole. However, De Vicenzo actually birdied the hole rather than making a par as Aaron marked on the scorecard. After the round, De Vicenzo didn’t catch the mistake and signed the scorecard, which by rule gave him the higher score on the 17th hole in the final round, thus giving Goalby the victory.

Even with a controversial lone win in a major, though, Goalby still enjoyed a successful PGA Tour career. The Belleville native and University of Illinois alum won 11 times on tour, and then went on to capture two additional victories on the Champions Tour. Meanwhile, he also placed second at the 1962 PGA Championship and tied for second at the 1961 U.S. Open, showing well in other major championships — though he never played in the British Open.

Also a member of the 1963 Ryder Cup team, Goalby gets a bad rap because of his Masters victory. However, he deserves plenty of credit for a quality career.