Lanny Wadkins

Lanny Wadkins is an American professional golfer. Wadkins attended Wake Forest University on an Arnold Palmer golf scholarship. He won the U.S. Amateur in 1970 and turned professional in 1971. Wadkins received his first PGA Tour win in October 1972, where he finished one stroke ahead of runner-up Palmer. He was later named Rookie of the Year on the tour in 1972. Wadkins had two more wins in 1973 before his form dipped for three years. In 1977, Wadkins won his sole major title at the PGA Championship. Wadkins finished runner-up in four subsequent majors: U.S. Open in 1986, PGA Championship in 1982, 1984, and 1987. He also finished third in the Masters three times: 1990, 1991, and 1993. In 1979, Wadkins won The Players Championship at Sawgrass. In 1985, he was voted PGA Player of the Year. Wadkins began playing in the Champions Tour in 2000 and he picked up a win at his first event at the ACE Group Classic. Wadkins was elected into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2009.