Lew Worsham

Who was Lew Worsham?

Lewis Elmer Worsham, Jr. was an American professional golfer.

Worsham was born in Pittsylvania County, Virginia. In 1947, he won the U.S. Open by defeating Sam Snead in an 18-hole playoff at the St. Louis Country Club in Clayton, Missouri after the two men had finished tied at 282 in regulation. This was the first U.S. Open to be televised locally and the winner's prize was $2,000. In July 1947, he appeared on the cover of Golfing magazine. In 1953, he topped the PGA Tour money list with winnings of US$34,002. That same year he won the first golf tournament to be broadcast nationally in the United States and golf's first $100,000 tournament, the Tam O'Shanter World Championship of Golf, in spectacular fashion. He holed out a wedge from 104 yards for an eagle-2 to win over Chandler Harper by one shot. The event was televised by ABC.

Worsham made his only Ryder Cup appearance in 1947, winning both of his matches. Like most golfers of his generation, he earned his living primarily as a club professional. His employer was the Oakmont Country Club outside Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He died in Poquoson, Virginia at age 73.