Felice Torza
American professional golfer (1920–1983
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Felice Joseph Torza (March 15, 1920 – December 23, 1983) was an American professional golfer. He played primarily in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s.
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United States| Felice Torza | |
|---|---|
Torza, circa 1953 | |
| Personal information | |
| Full name | Felice Joseph Torza |
| Born | March 15, 1920 |
| Died | December 23, 1983 (aged 63) |
| Sporting nationality | United States |
| Career | |
| Status | Professional |
| Former tour | PGA Tour |
| Professional wins | 5 |
| Best results in major championships | |
| Masters Tournament | T29: 1953 |
| PGA Championship | 2nd: 1953 |
| U.S. Open | T24: 1952 |
| The Open Championship | DNP |
Early life
Torza was born in Naples, Italy, on March 15, 1920.[1]
Professional career
Like most of the golfers of his generation, he earned his living primarily as a club professional during his regular career years. Torza worked as the head club pro at the Aurora Country Club in Aurora, Illinois for 28 years.[2][3]
Torza was the runner-up in the 1953 PGA Championship. He was defeated, 2 and 1, in the final by Walter Burkemo, in the match play era.[4]
Torza was nicknamed Toy Tiger[5] by his fellow golfers due to his fiercely competitive nature and diminutive stature.
Death
Torza died on December 23, 1983.
Honors and awards
- In 1965, he was inducted into the Connecticut Golf Hall of Fame.[6]
- In 1968, he was awarded the Illinois PGA Professional of the Year award.[2]
Professional wins (5)
- 1946 Connecticut Open
- 1947 Rhode Island Open
- 1950 Illinois Open Championship
- 1958 Illinois Open Championship
- 1965 Illinois Match Play Championship
