Errie Ball

Samuel Henry "Errie" Ball (November 14, 1910 – July 2, 2014) was a Welsh-American professional golfer who competed at the inaugural Augusta National golf tournament in 1934 (now known as the Masters Tournament). He was the last living person to compete in the first Masters and died at the age of 103.

Early life Ball was born in Bangor, Wales, in 1910. He acquired the nickname "Errie" from his family's French maid who was tasked with caring for him and performing household duties. She had trouble pronouncing "Henry", hence the name Errie. "My father's name was William Henry Ball. Back in those days, Henry became 'Harry'," said Ball, prior to his 100th birthday party. "My mother, from what they tell me, didn't like the fact that they would be calling my father Old Harry and me Young Harry. We had a French maid at that time, and she said, 'Why don't you call him 'Errie?' And I've gone by that ever since. I wouldn't turn around if you called me Sam."

Ball served as the head professional at Oak Park Country Club in Chicago, Illinois, for many years. During the winter months he was the head professional at Tucson Country Club in Tucson, Arizona, where his tenure was 14 years, from 1951 through April 1, 1965. In September 1964, Tucson Country Club president Dr. George Bland stated that, "What we need is a full-time pro. The size of the club (about 700 members) dictates this necessity. We'll have a hard time replacing Errie—we're well aware of that." and he turned 100 on November 14, 2010. Golfweek magazine was on site when he celebrated this event with friends and members at Willoughby Golf Club and posted a story documenting the event. Ball was inducted into the PGA Hall of Fame in 2011.

Death and legacy Ball, the last of the inaugural Masters field of 1934 and the PGA of America's oldest and longest-serving member, died July 2, 2014, at Martin Hospital South in Stuart, Florida, surrounded by his family. He was 103. 1952 Arizona PGA 1955 Illinois PGA Match Play Championship, Illinois PGA Championship 1965 Illinois PGA Championship Illinois PGA Senior Championship

Results in major championships

NYF = tournament not yet founded NT = no tournament CUT = missed the half-way cut (3rd round cut in 1960 PGA Championship) R64, R32, R16 = round in which player lost in PGA Championship match play "T" indicates a tie for a place