Clayton Heafner

Background

Heafner was born in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Career

Often described as “fiery” and as a “fierce competitor”, Heafner played on two victorious Ryder Cup teams, in 1949 and 1951, with a four-match record of 3-0-1. In the 1949 match, the United States. was without Ben Hogan, Byron Nelson and Cary Middlecoff, but Heafner keyed a winning rally from a 3-1 team deficit by beating Dick Burton 3 and 2. He finished second in the 1951 United States. Open to Ben Hogan.

Heafner was also a key figure in helping Charlie Sifford break the color barrier on the Professional Golf Association Tour, by playing matches against him on Mondays and providing counsel Sifford carried with him through his playing days.

Heafner died in 1960 in Charlotte, North Carolina. He was inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame in 1974 and the Greater Charlotte Sports Hall of Fame in 2006.

Professional Golf Association Tour wins (4) 1941 Mahoning Valley Open Other wins (3).

Achievements

• 1941 Mahoning Valley Open 1942 Mahoning Valley Open 1947 Jacksonville Open 1948 Colonial National Invitation this list may be incomplete 1939 Carolinas Open 1950 Carolinas Professional Golf Association Championship 1953 Carolinas Open.