“Dave Hill has rarely had a casual approach to golf,” according to the Rocky Mountain News.
This Michigan native started playing golf at age 11 and turned professional in 1958. He spent two decades on the regular PGA Tour before his bad temper, big mouth and colorful ways forced him to give up the game. During his 20 years on Tour he won 13 tournaments, including the 1961 Denver Open. He claimed Colorado Open titles a record four times—in 1971, ’76, ’77 and ’81.
Hill had a reputation as one of the best shot-makers in golf. In 1969 he won the Vardon Trophy—given to the Tour player with the lowest scoring average for the year—with a norm of 70.34.
Hill debuted on the Senior Tour in May, 1987 after a nine-year absence from competitive golf. He went on to win the Fairfield Barnett Senior Classic in November that year to score his first Senior victory. Hill went on to claim six Senior Tour wins in the late 1980s.
In addition to his golfing accomplishments, the outspoken Hill authored a book, Teed-Off.
Dave Hill passed away September 27, 2011, at the age of 74.
