Samuel Jackson Snead (May 27, 1912 – May 23, 2002) was an American
professional golfer who was one of the top players in the world for most of four decades. Snead won a record 82
PGA Tour events, including seven
majors. He never won the
U.S. Open, though he was runner-up four times.
Snead's nickname was "Slammin' Sammy" and he was admired by many for having the so-called "perfect swing," which generated many imitators. Snead was famed for his folksy image, wearing a straw hat, playing
tournaments barefoot, and making such statements as "Keep close count of your nickels and dimes, stay away from whiskey, and never concede a putt. " He was inducted into the
World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974, and received the
PGA Tour Lifetime Achievement Award in 1998.