Former Golf Champion Receives Prestigious Award

Wednesday, August 8th 2007, 8:55 pm

By: News On 6

The PGA honored one of its own Wednesday evening. During a ceremony at the Performing Arts Center, former champion Jack Burke Jr. was presented with the Distinguished Service Award. Former winners of this award include Bob Hope, Presidents Gerald Ford and George Bush Sr., as well as golf greats Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. The News On 6â€™s Chris Wright reports PGA says Wednesdayâ€™s recipient is just as deserving as them.

It's been decades since Jack Burke Jr., winner of the 1956 PGA Championship, raised the Wannamaker Trophy, but he has never stopped contributing to the game of golf.

"He is one of a kind. I know I looked up to him in my young career, what I aspired to be. Jackie Burke is those one of a kind people,â€ said PGA president Brian Whitcomb.

Friends and colleagues echoed those sentiments during Wednesday night's award ceremony at the Performing Arts Center. Burke admits it's an honor he never thought he'd receive.

"I really thought you had to get shot to get that award. I don't know what service I've given them,â€ Burke said.

Burke's service includes a stellar golf resume. Besides winning the PGA, he also won the Masters in 1956. He is also considered one of the best Ryder Cup players of all time. In addition to his personal accomplishments on the links, he was acknowledged Wednesday as an ambassador of the game and a teacher of life lessons.

"More importantly, just as importantly, Jackie teaches the game,â€ Whitcomb said. â€œHe teaches life through golf. He's touched the lives of countless people and left them better for it."

Burke plans on sticking around to watch the 89th Championship at Southern Hills. He says while he still loves it, the game has changed a great deal since his heyday.

â€œI won the tournament and it was in â€˜56. My check was hot. The sponsor had run out of money. So, the PGA had to guarantee my money. Yeah, it was a lot different,â€ Burke said.

Burke is still giving lessons at the club he helped found in Houston. The head of the PGA says this awards ceremony is always one the highlights of championship week.

Watch the video: PGA Honors Former Golf Champion