William Ben Hogan (August 13, 1912 – July 25, 1997) was an American
professional golfer, generally considered one of the greatest players in the history of the game. Born within six months of two other acknowledged golf greats of the twentieth century,
Sam Snead and
Byron Nelson, Hogan is notable for his profound influence on the golf swing theory and his legendary ball-striking ability, for which he remains renowned among players and fans.
His nine career professional major championships tie him (with
Gary Player) for fourth all-time, trailing only
Jack Nicklaus (18),
Tiger Woods (14) and
Walter Hagen (11). Furthermore, he is one of only five golfers to have won all four major championships currently open to professionals (the
Masters Tournament, the
British Open, the
U.S. Open, and the
PGA Championship), the other four being
Gene Sarazen,
Gary Player,
Jack Nicklaus and
Tiger Woods.