Bob Charles (golfer)

Sir Robert "Bob" Charles KNZM CBE (born March 14, 1936) is one of the world?s greatest left handed golfers, winner of more than 70 titles and first lefty to win one of golf?s Majors.

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Sir - KNZM - CBE - March 14 - 1936

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Born in Carterton, a small town in the Wairarapa district on New Zealand?s North Island, Charles lived in Masterton where he worked as a bank teller and demonstrated great golfing potential.

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Carterton - Wairarapa - New Zealand?s - North Island - Masterton

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He caused a sensation on November 8 1954 when as an 18 year old amateur he beat a top international field to win the New Zealand Open at Heretaunga.

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November 8 - 1954 - Heretaunga

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The media was full of praise for this slight young man who equalled the open record of 280, and there were many predictions for an imminent venture in the professional ranks and a lucrative career.

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Charles decided to hone his skills as an amateur first, and remained is his bank employment for a further six years, but all the while continued to show exceptional putting prowess which helped immensely later on the professional circuits. He represented New Zealand several times in international amateur tournaments during this period.

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He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1999. He retired from tournament golf in 2001.

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