40 years after his first PGA Tour victory, Hallberg has no regrets

Gary Hallberg played the PGA Tour in the 1980s and ’90s, when the atmosphere wasn’t always so serious, and many of the day’s “designated” events were those with the names of celebrities attached.

Names such as Bing Crosby. Bob Hope. Jackie Gleason. Glen Campbell. Heck, former baseball catcher Joe Garagiola had his mitts on a tournament in Tucson, Arizona.

Andy Williams, the handsome, polished “Moon River” crooner and smiling television-show personality, served as host of the San Diego Open for 20 years, his name attached to the title. So when Hallberg broke through to win his first PGA Title at the 1983 Isuzu-Andy Williams San Diego Open – this week's edition marks the 40-year anniversary – it opened some new doors for the 24-year-old former college phenom who was considered a "can’t miss" talent at golf’s highest level.

Gary Hallberg, shown during the 1985 Masters, broke into the PGA Tour when the atmosphere wasn't always so serious. Augusta National via Getty Images

When Hallberg’s champion’s obligations had ended that e...