Johnny Revolta

Who was Johnny Revolta?

John F. Revolta was an American professional golfer who played on the PGA Tour in the 1930s, 1940s, and early 1950s. He won a major title, the 1935 PGA Championship, and had 18 career wins on tour.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Revolta's family relocated to Oshkosh, Wisconsin in 1923 when he was twelve. He learned the game as a caddie at the public course in Oshkosh and won the state caddie championship at age 14. Like most professional golfers of his generation, and started out as a club professional. Revolta worked at Swan Lake Country Club in Portage in 1930, Chippewa Elks Golf Club in 1931, Menominee, Michigan 1932–1933, and Tripoli Country Club in Milwaukee from 1934–1936. He won the Wisconsin State Open four times in a six-year period; he was not eligible for two years while working in Michigan. Revolta was a member of the PGA Tour from 1935–1952.

Revolta's best year as a tour pro was 1935, when he won five tournaments and led the PGA Tour's money list. He defeated Tommy Armour 5 & 4 in the PGA Championship and also won the Western Open, the era's "fifth major." He also played in the Ryder Cup in 1935 and 1937.