Last 5 performances

  • Bob CHARLES 33

    Meet Bob

    NZL
    Carterton, New Zealand Place of Birth
    6′ 0″ (185cm) Height
    Golf course design, farming Interests

    In his 70s, Charles continued to defy his age with some impressive performances in 2009, the best being a share of 34th place at the Cleveland Golf Srixon Scottish Senior Open. Also went on a tour of Scotland in 2009, playing eight courses in 12 days. Was also inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2008. Reminded all of his talent with a runner-up placing at the 2007 Wentworth Senior Masters, beating his then age of 71 during the event to finish two strokes behind eventual winner Des Smyth. Became the fifth recipient of the European Senior Tour’s Lladro Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002, following in the footsteps of Neil Coles, Tommy Horton, Brian Huggett and Gary Player. A winner of more than 75 events across five continents since turning professional in 1960, his greatest moment came in 1963 when he defeated America’s Phil Rodgers in a play-off for The Open Championship at Royal Lytham & St Annes. The New Zealander won eight times on The European Tour and twice on the European Senior Tour, both times in The Senior Open Championship. Also won five times on the US PGA Tour and has since added a further 23 Champions Tour titles, the last of them coming in 1996. Was awarded an OBE in 1972 and a CBE in 1982, before becoming a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 1999 New Year’s Honours List. He was a banker before turning professional, and still runs a farm at home in New Zealand. Became an Honorary Member of The R&A in 2016.