Felice Torza
Felice Joseph Torza (March 15, 1920 – December 23, 1983) was an American professional golfer who played in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s.
Felice Torza | |
---|---|
Personal information | |
Full name | Felice Joseph Torza |
Born | Naples, Italy | March 15, 1920
Died | December 23, 1983 63) | (aged
Nationality | |
Career | |
Status | Professional |
Former tour(s) | PGA Tour |
Professional wins | 5 |
Best results in major championships | |
Masters Tournament | T29: 1953 |
PGA Championship | 2nd: 1953 |
U.S. Open | T24: 1952 |
The Open Championship | DNP |
Biography
Torza was born in Naples, Italy, on March 15, 1920.[1] Like most of the golfers of his generation, he earned his living primarily as a club professional during his regular career years. Torza worked as the head club pro at the Aurora Country Club in Aurora, Illinois for 28 years.[2][3]
Torza was the runner-up in the 1953 PGA Championship. He was defeated 2&1 in the final by Walter Burkemo, in the match play era.[4]
Torza was nicknamed Toy Tiger[5] by his fellow golfers due to his fiercely competitive nature and diminutive stature.
Torza was inducted into the Connecticut Golf Hall of Fame in 1965.[6] He was awarded the Illinois PGA Professional of the Year award in 1968.[2]
He died on December 23, 1983.
Professional wins
- 1946 Connecticut Open
- 1947 Rhode Island Open
- 1950 Illinois Open Championship
- 1958 Illinois Open Championship
- 1965 Illinois Match Play Championship
References
- Burrill, Jack (10 August 1996). "Connecticut connections to the PGA Championship". CT Golfer. Retrieved 14 September 2007.
- "A History of the Aurora Country Club". Archived from the original on 13 September 2007. Retrieved 14 September 2007.
- "President's news from Aurora Country Club". Retrieved 14 September 2007.
- "Time Scoreboard". Time, Inc. 20 July 1953. Retrieved 14 September 2007.
- Harrington, Jeff. "Fenton Farms Evolves From Its Colorful Past". Michigan Golfer. Retrieved 14 September 2007.
- CT Golf Hall of Fame Members Archived December 27, 2008, at the Wayback Machine