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Left-Handed
Golfing Idols
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Bob Charles
Sir Bob Charles KNZM CBE (born March 14, 1936) is one of the
world’s greatest left handed golfers, winner of more than 70
titles and first lefty to win one of golf’s Majors.
Born in Carterton, a small town in the Wairarapa district on New
Zealand’s North Island, Charles lived in Masterton where he worked
as a bank teller and demonstrated great golfing potential.
He caused a sensation on November 8 1954 when as an 18 year old
amateur he beat a top international field to win the New Zealand
Open at Heretaunga.
Charles decided to hone his skills as an amateur first, and remained
is his bank employment for a further six years, but all the while
continued to show exceptional putting prowess which helped immensely
later on the professional circuits. He represented New Zealand
several times in international amateur tournaments during this
period.
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Phil Micholson
At College in 1991, Phil Michelson won the Northern Telecom Open.
With so many more victories under his belt, and still only 30, he keeps all
around him honest. For the everything right hander, but for his golf swing,
Michelson, finally became a professional in 1992. Within a year he was winning
tournaments including the Buick Invitational, and the International.
He has had success for six straight years, including overseas in Europe in the
early stages of his career winning the Perrier Open in 1993. In 1999 was really
his only lean year with no wins under his belt, but he has made up for since,
winning numerous titles since.
The left hander with a swing that makes you "sigh" with delight, is
currently a top 10 player, and is certainly aiming for the number 1 mantle.
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Mike Weir
Mike Weir become the first Canadian to win a
major, and only the second left-hander to win a major, joining 1963 British Open
Champion Bob Charles. Hockey was his first sport, but as he grew older, golf
became more attractive to Weir. The thought of getting pounded in the corners on
skates didn't appeal to him after he stopped growing at 5-foot-9 and 155 pounds.
When Brigham Young came calling to invite him to play college golf in the
states, he put all his energy into what had previously been a summer sport. That
led him to professional golf, to his days on the Canadian Tour and playing
overseas, wondering if life as a struggling pro would ever get better. But
through hard work and persistence, he got to the major leagues and gained some
notice - winning more than $5 million in 2000 and 2001, including a victory at
the 2001 Tour Championship. After an off-year in 2002, he rededicated himself,
leading to his momentous achievement on the second Sunday in April, and capping
a week that even he admitted was "a little bit odd."
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