Saturday, April 1, 2023

Patrick Hand

Patrick Hand has contributed to numerous publications including Golf Journal, The Washington Post, LA Weekly, and Washington City Paper.

Since 2020, Patrick has regularly contributed to Global Golf Post+, writing primarily about golf’s rich history. He is a graduate of Catholic University in Washington, D.C., and Fordham Law School in New York. Patrick lives in Rapidan, Virginia with his wife, Katie, and their two sons.

Articles by Patrick Hand

Pete Brown and his landmark victory at a course with no name

In 1964, Pete Brown, a quiet, friendly sharecropper’s son became the first Black golfer to win an official PGA Tour event. Our Patrick Hand writes Brown's story, and describes the Waco Turner Open in Burneyville, Oklahoma – perhaps the strangest PGA Tour event ever.

The PGA Tour’s oddest duck

Remembering successes and eccentricities of 'Crazy Marty' Furgol

Fans often appreciated the idiosyncrasies of Marty Furgol, but his fellow PGA Tour pros didn't always relish playing with him. Our Patrick Hand remembers the five-time winner.

The strange, futile career of ‘tour pro’ Herb Deesen

Among those who have seriously pursued professional golf for an extended period, Herb Deesen, hands down, is the worst of all time. Our Patrick Hand has the story.

A Tale Of Two Franks

Today's turmoil between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf provides a backdrop for revisiting the role Frank Sinatra and Frank Beard played in healing the 1968 split between the PGA Tour and the PGA of America. Our Patrick Hand has the story.

Gary Player’s 14,000-Mile Dash To Victory

Gary Player's victory in the 1963 Australian Open is not as well-remembered as the nine major championships he won, but Player calls the '63 win “absolutely a miracle.” Player spoke with our Patrick Hand this past Sunday, calling that Australian Open his most amazing victory.

The Nelson Makes A Comeback

At one time, the AT&T Byron Nelson attracted some of the strongest non-major fields every year. Lately, however, few stars have showed up, and attendance has plummeted as the venue bounced around. Things are looking up a bit this year, writes our Patrick Hand, who looks at the history of The Nelson.

Tommy Aaron Still Happy To Talk Ahead Of The Masters

Tommy Aaron, 85, a veteran of 42 Masters, talked recently with our Patrick Hand about Aaron's role in a scoring error that changed the outcome of the 1968 Masters. And, of course in 42 Masters, there was much more to talk about.

Collector’s Journey

The Fascinating Life of Rives McBee

If there were a “Most Interesting Man in the World of Golf,” 83-year-old Rives McBee would certainly be a nominee. Our Patrick Hand has the story.

Bob Goalby: A Hard, Good Man, Godspeed

Bob Goalby, a former Masters champion who worked as an NBC commentator for 14 years, died Thursday at age 92. Our Patrick Hand remembers Goalby.

World Champion Showman

How George S. May Innovated, Enriched And Enraged The Game

You may never have heard of George Storr May, who was responsible for the audacious effort of establishing an annual world championship for golf. From 1949 to 1957, only the World Championship of Golf drew the best players from around the globe. Our Patrick Hand has the story.

For Former Tour Star Don Fairfield, It’s 75 Years In The Game And Counting

Don Fairfield started as an assistant pro in 1947, played on the PGA tour for nine years before stepping away, and has been immersed in the golf business ever since. Our Patrick Hand has the story.

Jacklin Offers Insights, Grievances In New Book

Tony Jacklin's new book, "My Ryder Cup Journey," is as much an autobiography as it is a recounting of Ryder Cup experiences. Our Patrick Hand has the story.

Golf’s ‘Silent King’

The Unassuming Legend Of Chuck Kocsis

He played in 11 Masters, yet didn't accept every invitation offered by Augusta National. He also played on the U.S. Walker Cup teams in three different decades. Our Patrick Hand looks back at the unassuming legend of Chuck Kocsis.

Meet Mr. 1,000

Jason Froneman, Ranked 1,000th in the World, Remains Optimistic

Ever wonder what it's liked to be ranked No. 1000 in the world? Just ask Jason Froneman. Our Patrick Hand has the story.

Staff Sgt. Cliff Harrington Deserves Our Recognition and Gratitude

"You’ve probably never heard of Cliff Harrington. He was Black and one of the most promising golfers I ever saw, of any race.” That assessment came from Lee Elder. Our Patrick Hand has the story.

The Forgotten Glory of Bobby Sweeny

Who's that dashing man sharing the spotlight with Arnold Palmer before the final match of the 1954 U.S. Am? The short answer is Bobby Sweeny, a top-level amateur who was a few years Palmer's senior at the time. The deeper story, Patrick Hand reveals here, is a rollicking saga that reaches all corners of mid-20th-century America and the world.