Gene Littler of San Diego, who had one of the greatest golf swings of all-time, died on Friday at the age of 88, his family announced on Saturday.
Littler, who was known as “Gene the Machine” because of his fluid swing, claimed 29 victories on the PGA Tour including the 1961 U.S. Open by three strokes on the South Course at Oakland Hills Country Club in Birmingham, Mich.
In addition, he finished second to Billy Casper, also from San Diego, in the 1970 Masters and also was runner-up to Lanny Wadkins in the 1977 PGA Championship at Pebble Beach, losing in a playoff.
Littler, who won the 1953 U.S. Amateur while he was in the U.S. Navy, claimed 25 other victories in his pro career—including nine on what is now the PGA Tour champions, and was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1990.
In addition, he played on the United States team in the 1953 Walker Cup, then won the California State Amateur and the U.S. Amateur the following year, when he also claimed his first victory in a PGA Tour event by winning the San Diego Open as an amateur.
After graduating from San Diego State, Littler spent 1951-54 in the Navy before turning pro and finishing second to Ed Furgol in the U.S. Open on the Lower Course at Baltusrol Country Club in Springfield, N.J.
Littler received the Ben Hogan Award, which is rewarded for a comeback from injury or illness, in 1973 after returning to the PGA Tour following treatment for malignant melanoma.
Also in 1973, he was recipient of the Bob Jones Award, the highest honor given by the United States Golf Association, in recognition of distinguished sportsmanship in golf.
Littler was a teenager when the great Sam Snead served in the Navy was stationed in San Diego during World War II, and said he fashioned his flowing swing after Snead’s.
“I would stand close by and watch him,” Littler told PGATour.com in 2012. “I think I picked up some things.”
Littler is survived by his wife of 68 years, Shirley Warren, and children Curt and Suzanne.
