Virginia Golfer May / Jun 2017 | Page 18

Simply the Best THE VIRGINIA GOLF HALL OF FAME will induct its 2017 class on May 18 at the Country Club of Virgin- ia’s Westhampton Clubhouse. The four inductees will join the Hall’s inaugural class of Vinny Giles, Chandler Harper, Clyde Luther, Sam Snead, Curtis Strange and Lanny Wadkins. A closer look at the 2017 class: J.C. Snead CROWNING MOMENT: In the final round of the 1995 Ford Senior Players Championship, Snead sweated as Jack Nick- laus putted to win the title in regulation on 18. The putt missed, forcing a playoff for the title. Snead made birdie on the first playoff hole to defeat Nicklaus and claim his lone major championship title. GOING BACK TO BACK: Snead won eight times on the PGA Tour, including two in consecutive years at the Andy Wil- liams-San Diego Open Invitational. He defeated Raymond Floyd and Bobby Nichols in a playoff to win that event in 1975 and finished a shot clear of Don Bies to win in 1976. THREE TIMER: Snead represented the United States in the Ryder Cup three times, participating in 1971, 1973 and 1975. Snead had an exemplary record in the event, going 9-2-0, including 3-1 in singles. TRIVIA: In 1975, who handed Snead his only loss in Ryder Cup singles play? 16 V I R G I N I A G O L F E R | M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 7 vsga.org