One of the most prolific winners of the PGA Tour, Billy Casper, has passed away from a heart attack on Saturday at his home in Utah.
Casper, who had passed out in the clubhouse at the Masters last year, died at the age of 83. His son, Bob Casper, said that he died quickly, peacefull and with his wife Shirley at his bedside.
The late PGA legend and his wife were married for 62 years.
Jack Nicklaus said it’s fair to say Bill was was “probably underrated” by those who never had a chance to play against him, but those who did compete against him knew just how “special” he was, the Chicago Tribune reported.
I think it is fair to say that Billy was probably underrated by those who didn’t play against him […] Those who did compete against him knew how special he was.
Billy, who Bloomberg reported was renowned for his steady shot-making and masterful putting game, not only had work on his heart last year, he also suffered from a bout with pneumonia over the course of Thanksgiving which had him hospitalized for a month. His son indicated that he had been attending cardio rehabilitation over the past four months and was doing well until he started feeling ill this past week.
The late Casper won the 1959 U.S. Open at Winged Foot, the 1970 Masters, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1978. His accomplishments don’t end there, with 51 PGA Tour wins under his belt and three major championship wins including the 1966 U.S. Open.
Nicklaus was quoted having said that Billy was “steadfast and committed to his family, his religion, his community, and his unwavering beliefs.” He went on to say that the loss of the late Casper was the loss of a “true friend.”
We lost a true friend tonight.
What are your thoughts on Billy Casper’s death?
