Billy Burke

Background

Burke was born in Naugatuck, Connecticut.

Career

He was also selected for the 1933 Ryder Cup team but not before some agitation by Gene Sarazen was done on his behalf. He and George Von Elm were tied at 292 (8-over-par) after regulation play. They played a 36-hole playoff the next day and tied again at 149 (7-over-par).

The following day they played 36 more holes and Burke emerged victorious 148 to 149.

Throughout Burke"s golf career he used an unorthodox grip due to the loss of two fingers on his left hand. In 2005, Burke was inducted into the National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame.

Burke died in Clearwater, Florida. Professional Golf Association Tour wins (13) 1927 (2) Florida Open, Central Florida Open Other wins (4) Wins (1) 1 Defeated George Von Elm in a playoff.

First 36-hole playoff - Burke 73-76=149 (+7), Von Elm 75-74=149 (+7).

Second 36-hole playoff - Burke 71-77=148 (+6), Von Elm 76-73=149 (+7). Results timeline.

Achievements

• 1927 (2) Florida Open, Central Florida Open 1928 (1) North and South Open 1929 (2) New York State Open, Glens Falls Open 1930 (1) Mid South Open 1931 (2) United States. Open, Glens Falls Open 1932 (1) Florida West Coast Open 1935 (1) The Cascades Open 1936 (1) Centennial Open 1939 (1) Walter Hagen 25th Anniversary (with Editor Dudley) 1940 (1) Miami Biltmore International Four-Ball (with Craig Wood) Major championship is shown in bold. this list may be incomplete 1938 Ohio Open 1939 Ohio Open 1945 Ohio Open 1955 Ohio Open.