Bisher: Augusta was perfect fit for Wood's power

text size

Mark Cubbedge/WGHOF

Craig Wood, playing in a corset due to a bad back, won the 1941 U.S. Open using these woods.

• MORE ESSAYS: Kessler on Shute | Streit on Thompson | Jacklin on Charles | Spander on Wind | Hurdzan on Dye

Editor's note: Furman Bisher is the long-time columnist for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, as well as a contributor to the Sporting News and Sports Illustrated, among other publications. Winner of the 1996 PGA of America Lifetime Achievement in Journalism Award, he first met Craig Wood at Augusta National in the early 1950s. He came to know Wood well when he used to vacation at Grand Bahama a decade later.

Craig Wood was a classic gentleman, blond and handsome, and even in the twilight of his years, still firmly constructed. He was a throwback to the days when most golf professionals usually held a club job in order to play the tour.

Wood

For instance, when he won the Masters in 1941, his payoff was $1,500. That was the year he also won the U.S. Open wearing a back brace. Yet, his name seems to have endured longer through the years for a devastating defeat than either of his triumphs.

He was standing in the clubhouse at Augusta National, being celebrated as the champion of the Masters in 1935 when word arrived that Gene Sarazen had holed out on the 15th, the historic double eagle that had much to do with popularizing that event. Then he lost a 36-hole playoff the next day, for which he drew an extra $50.

He was known for his power as much as his accuracy. In the British Open of 1933, he struck a drive measured as 430 yards, then the longest in the history of the professional game.

After a competitive career in which he won 34 tournaments, he retired to his job as club professional at Winged Foot, then later settled in as the first professional at the Lucaya course on Grand Bahama Island. He continued to return to the Masters and played until 1964, always the genial guest and attraction.

He presence was a major feature at Lucaya, and there he lived an enviable life. Often, a night out was flying over to Palm Beach for dinner at one of the posh restaurants on Worth Avenue. Unfortunately, he passed away before his time at the age of 67.