Billy Kratzert

Who is Billy Kratzert?

William August Kratzert III is an American professional golfer and sportscaster, who has played on both the PGA Tour and the Champions Tour.

Kratzert was born in Quantico, Virginia when his father was in the service but spent most of his youth in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he attended Elmhurst High School. His father was head pro for over 20 years at the Fort Wayne Country Club. Kratzert won the Indiana State Amateur at age 16. He attended the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia and was a distinguished member of the golf team – an All-American in 1973 and 1974. Kratzert graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1974. He turned pro in that same year. Kratzert, after two failed attempts at earning his Tour card, quit golf and worked as a forklift operator. After eight months at that job, Kratzert returned to golf and succeeded on his third attempt in 1976 to get his PGA Tour card.

Kratzert won four PGA Tour events in his career. His most successful years in professional golf were 1977–1980 when he finished in the top-12 on the money list in three of those 4 years.