Jack Burke, Jr.

Who is Jack Burke, Jr.?

John Joseph "Jack" Burke, Jr. is an American professional golfer who was most prominent in the 1950s. He first rose to fame with two lopsided victories in the Ryder Cup matches in 1951 and was subsequently selected for the 1953, 1955, 1957, and 1959 teams, serving as playing captain in 1957. Burke also served as non-playing captain in the 1973 matches, and as special assistant captain to Hal Sutton in 2004. He won two major titles during his career, both in 1956, the Masters and PGA Championship.

Born in Fort Worth, Texas, Burke started in golf at age seven. His father, Jack, Sr., was the club professional at Houston's River Oaks Country Club and a runner-up at the U.S. Open in 1920. The younger Burke graduated from St. Thomas High School in Houston in 1940 and turned professional at age 17, then served four years in the Marines during World War II. After the war, Burke resumed his career in golf after first considering work in the oil fields of Texas. His first job was as a teaching pro in New Jersey, which was followed by a position as an assistant at Winged Foot Golf Club, where he was mentored by Claude Harmon, and later club pro at Metropolis Country Club in White Plains, New York.