A Sam Snead Story

In the world of golf, there are legends that leave an indelible mark on the sport. Sam Snead was one such legend. As a young and aspiring golfer, I had the privilege of crossing paths with him during my first year on tour in 1975. At that time, he was already considered one of the oldest players in the game, but his prowess on the green remained unmatched. Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Tom Watson were also making waves in those days. The golfing scene was teeming with talent that it sometimes became difficult to keep track of all their names. However, amidst this sea of greats emerged my favorite pairing from the ’70s – none other than Sam Snead himself. Being paired with Sam four times throughout my career was nothing short of a treat. To put it into perspective, he was well into his mid-60s at that time and still making cuts alongside us younger players. Two out of those four rounds were even played over the weekend after making it past the cut – a testament to his remarkable skills. Now you might be wondering what playing alongside Sam Snead was like. Well, I must say it was an enjoyable experience. Not only did he possess incredible talent on the course but he also had a country personality that added an extra layer to our interactions. One particular memory stands out vividly in my mind from our time together at TPC Championship at Sawgrass – a rain delay forced all players into the locker room for some respite from Mother Nature’s whimsy. 

There we were: Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino – all gathered around Sam as if he were holding court. The atmosphere crackled with anticipation as everyone eagerly listened to him regale us with jokes; jokes steeped in country charm and wit unique to him alone. Amidst this sea of laughter and camaraderie stood one joke firmly etched in my memory. A man walks into a diner and settles at the bar. He asks the cook if they have hamburgers on the menu. The cook replies with a resounding “Sure do!” Taking it one step further, the customer inquires about the location of the restroom. The cook grins mischievously and says, “Follow me, I have to go myself.” So off they go, side by side, standing shoulder to shoulder at adjacent urinals. As soon as he finishes his business, the customer catches a glimpse of something that leaves him startled – the cook doesn’t wash his hands! Undeterred by this revelation, our intrepid storyteller returns to his seat and observes with fascination as the very same cook meticulously molds and pounds together raw hamburger meat with his bare hands. Intrigued yet disgusted, he can’t help but voice an inquiry: “How do you want your hamburger cooked?” Without missing a beat or faltering in humor, our fearless customer responds cheekily: “Just cook the ‘piss’ out of it!” 

This joke serves as a glimpse into Sam’s personality – unpretentious and always ready to entertain those around him. But beyond his jokes lay memories that money simply cannot buy. Sam Snead wasn’t just one of the greatest players in golf history; he was an enigma whose presence on any course felt truly magical. To witness firsthand what many consider to be not only one of golf’s finest swings but quite possibly its pinnacle was awe-inspiring. As I look back on those moments shared with Sam Snead during my early years on tour, I’m filled with gratitude for having been part of such remarkable encounters.