The best golfer from every U.S. state

Tennessee: Cary Middlecoff

Had you gone to see Cary Middlecoff before he was 26 years old, you would have more than likely been going to get a cavity checked out as the Tennessee native was a graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry and was practicing until that age. When he reached 26 years old, however, he put away the drill and decided to take up golfing full time, turning professional in 1947. Though he didn’t spend a great deal of time as a pro — he retired in 1961 — he certainly left his mark.

Despite the brevity of his career, Middlecoff was lights out whenever he was playing on the PGA Tour. He won his first time on the tour playing as an amateur in 1945, but got his first as a pro at the 1947 Charlotte Open. By 1949, he was winning six times throughout the season, including picking up his victory at a major championship. To get that major, Middlecoff topped Claython Heafner and Sam Snead at the U.S. Open.

Incredibly, Middlecoff would win six times in a single season twice more throughout his pro career, doing so in 1951 and 1955. 1955 also happened to be the year that he picked up his second major, winning The Masters in convincing fashion as he held a 7-stroke lead after 72 holes played at Augusta. For good measure, he also won the U.S. Open for a second time the following year.

While he may not have the clout of many greats, Middlecoff very well could have had he not had his career shortened by injuries. Even still, he earns the distinction as Tennessee’s best.