Ben Hogan Remains a Hero to Golf Fans

As we look ahead to the Masters golf tournament beginning this week, we can't help but remember Ben Hogan, the golfer who gave the sport some fame a half century before Tiger Woods began his prowl. Now, Woods is poised to pass Hogan for third all-time on the PGA Tour for overall tournament victories.

Hogan achieved his golf superiority and legend status despite a World War II stint and being hospitalized for 59 days after a car crash. Golf became Hogan's life.

"He didn't have a lot of time for anything else," Miller said. "He was a pretty single-minded guy. It's like he built a house with one room because he didn't want any guests. Golf was it. He was a tough guy who came up the hard way. He only respected guys who worked hard and got in the dirt."

Those who remember Hogan say he was bad with names. The name Hogan is of Irish and Gaelic origin and means "youth." Alzheimer's disease took Hogan's life in 1997 but to golf followers Hogan remains forever young.

[Orlando Sentinel]