Mário Gonzalez

Mário Gonzalez (22 November 1922 – 29 July 2019) was a Brazilian professional golfer. He was one of the first players from his country to have enjoyed success on the international circuit and was known as the "father of Brazilian golf".

Amateur career As an amateur, Gonzalez had a great deal of success and built a reputation around the world. He won the Brazil Amateur Championship nine times, the Brazil Open twice, the Argentine Open in 1941, and the Spanish Open in 1947. He also played in several tournaments and matches in the United States; in 1941 he finished in a tie for sixth place in Chicago Open and tied a match with Bobby Jones. He had one other top-ten finish in a PGA Tour event, which came at the 1946 Pensacola Open.

Gonzalez played in few international tournaments as a professional. However he did occasionally play in the major championships, recording best finishes of tied for 33rd in the 1956 Open Championship and tied for 48th in the 1962 Masters Tournament. In 2006 he was recognised by being awarded the honour of Officer of the Order of Rio Branco. and his son Jaime Gonzalez has enjoyed a successful career playing on both the European Tour and PGA Tour.

Amateur wins 9 x Brazilian Amateur Championship 3 x Argentine Amateur Championship

Professional wins (15) 1940 Argentine Open (as an amateur) 1944 Uruguay Open (as an amateur) 1945 São Paulo Open (as an amateur) 1953 Brazil Open, Argentine Open 1954 Abierto del Sur 1955 Brazil Open 1969 Brazil Open

Team appearances Professional World Cup (representing Brazil): 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1967, 1968, 1970, 1971