Mason Rudolph (golfer)


Edgar Mason Rudolph was an American professional golfer who won five times on the PGA Tour.

Early years and amateur career

Rudolph was born in Clarksville, Tennessee. He won the U.S. Junior Amateur in 1950. In 1956, he won the Western Amateur and the Tennessee State Open. He played on the 1957 Walker Cup team.

Professional career

Rudolph turned professional in 1958; he joined the PGA Tour in 1959 and was Rookie of the Year. He won five official PGA Tour events during his career. Rudolph also won the Tennessee State Open five times as a pro. He played on the 1971 Ryder Cup team.
In December 1960, Rudolph took part in a controversial match against Sam Snead. Snead decided to deliberately lose the televised match during its final holes after he discovered he had too many golf clubs in his bag on the 12th hole of the match, which would have disqualified him in the match. After the match was over, Snead said he did not disqualify himself in order to not spoil the show.

Honors and awards

Rudolph was inducted as a charter member of the Tennessee Golf Hall of Fame in 1990. A 9-hole, regulation-length golf course in his hometown is named for him. A men's and a women's collegiate golf tournament also bears his name.

Professional wins (13)

PGA Tour wins (5)

PGA Tour playoff record
No.YearTournamentOpponentResult
11963Portland Open Invitational George KnudsonLost to eagle on first extra hole

Other wins (8)

Note: Rudolph never played in The Open Championship.
CUT = missed the half-way cut
"T" indicates a tie for a place

Summary

Amateur
Professional