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.

Seniors tour

His move to the PGA Senior Tour (now called Champions Tour) was very lucrative and successful with 23 titles and in three years 1988, 1989 and 1993 he recorded lowest scoring average.

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Charles is a sporting hero in New Zealand, not only for his achievements but also for his demeanour and philanthropy regarding junior golfers. He was also a role model worldwide for left-handed golfers. Until Canadian Mike Weir won the US Masters title in 2003, Charles was the only golfer with a left-handed swing to have won a Major. Phil Mickelson became the third when he won the 2004 Masters.

Related Topics:
Canadian - Mike Weir - US Masters - Phil Mickelson

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Charles was created a Member of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) from Queen Elizabeth in 1972 and was upgraded to a Commander in the said Order in 1992. He became Sir Bob Charles in 1999 when made a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

Related Topics:
Order of the British Empire - Queen Elizabeth - 1972 - 1992 - Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit

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Charles married his wife Verity in 1962 and they have two children, Beverly (b1966) and David (b 1968). David is a golf director in the US. Charles is a successful golf course designer having had major input into the Formosa Country Club in North Shore City, Millbrook at the resort town of Queenstown, and the nine-hole course at Matarangi on the Coromandel Peninsula.

Related Topics:
Formosa Country Club - North Shore City - Millbrook - Queenstown - Matarangi - Coromandel Peninsula

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