Ken Venturi (1931–2013,) fully Kenneth Paul Venturi, was an American former professional golfer and golf broadcaster. In a career shortened by injuries, he won 14 events on the PGA Tour, including the 1964 U.S. Open.
Born in San Francisco, Venturi overcame a severe stammering problem in his youth. He played at San Jose State University, where he received a degree in physical education. He showed promise even as an amateur, trained under golfing greats Byron Nelson and Ben Hogan, and finished as runner-up in the 1956 Masters tournament at age 24.
Venturi embarked upon a professional career and became a force on the PGA Tour, claiming 14 victories, notably a 1964 win in the U.S. Open while nearing collapse from heat exhaustion. However, his career was cut short because of carpal tunnel syndrome, and he retired from competitive play in 1967.
Venture then embarked on a 35-year career (1968–2002) as a commentator and analyst with CBS Sports television. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2013.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Ken Venturi
I don’t believe you have to be better than everybody else. I believe you have to be better than you ever thought you could be.
—Ken Venturi
Topics: Doing Your Best
Art said he wanted to get more distance. I told him to hit it and run backward.
—Ken Venturi
Topics: Golf
There are two great rules of life: never tell everything at once.
—Ken Venturi
Victory is everything. You can spend the money, but you can never spend the memories.
—Ken Venturi
Topics: Golf
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