1977 US Open win in while under a death threat described as "the definition of grit and perseverance - the true mark of a champion."
Wednesday 20 June 2018 19:24, UK
Two-time major champion Hubert Green, who was best known for defying a death threat to win the 1977 US Open, has passed away aged 71.
Green was a dominant force during the 1970s and 1980s when he won 19 times on the PGA Tour, including at the 1977 US Open and 1985 PGA Championship. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2007.
He died from complications after a lengthy battle with throat cancer.
Green's US Open triumph at Southern Hills in Oklahoma, came despite being informed by tournament officials after 14 holes that a death threat had been made against him.
The threat said Green would be shot when he reached the 15th green.
Officials gave him the choice to continue, wait for the course to be cleared of spectators before continuing or suspend play until Monday and finish without spectators.
He decided to play on, and was rewarded with a one-shot victory over compatriot Lou Graham.
"Hubert Green was an incredible competitor whose tenacity on the course defined his playing career," USGA executive director Mike Davis said in a statement.
"His 1977 US Open win under extreme circumstances was the definition of grit and perseverance - the true mark of a champion. We are saddened to lose him among an elite group within our US Open circle."
Green's other major victory came eight years later in the PGA Championship at Cherry Hills Country Club in Denver, a two-shot triumph over Lee Trevino in what was his final Tour victory.
At the 1978 Masters, Green had a three-foot birdie putt on the final hole to force a play-off with Gary Player, but he was unable to convert the chance to hand the South African a third Green Jacket and the last of his nine major titles.
Green claimed that he had to back off the putt after hearing a radio reporter describing the scene, and then missed after resetting himself, although he later admitted only an amateur would have been disturbed by the interruption or use it as an excuse.
Green also finished third behind Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus in their "Duel in the Sun" at the 1977 Open Championship at Turnberry. He was 11 strokes behind winner Watson.
Green played in three US Ryder Cup squads, including winners in 1977 and 1979 and was undefeated in singles play.
He won four times on the seniors Champions Tour before beating oral cancer in 2003, returning after radiation and chemotherapy before retiring in 2006.
"PGA Tour Champions is saddened by the passing of Hubert Green, a determined champion and a loving family man," PGA Tour Champions president Greg McLaughlin said.
"Hubert will be remembered for his tremendous career and witty one-liners. The game of golf is a better sport because of the impact he made during his Hall of Fame career."
