Former Masters Champion Keiser Dies at 89

COPLEY, Ohio (AP) _ Herman Keiser, the 1946 Masters champion, died from complications of Alzheimer's Disease. He was 89. <br><br>Keiser died Wednesday at an assisted living home in suburban Akron,

Friday, December 26th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

COPLEY, Ohio (AP) _ Herman Keiser, the 1946 Masters champion, died from complications of Alzheimer's Disease. He was 89.

Keiser died Wednesday at an assisted living home in suburban Akron, daughter Diane Parker said Thursday.

The five-time PGA Tour winner beat Ben Hogan by a stroke in the 1946 Masters, Keiser's first trip to Augusta after serving nearly three years in the Navy in World War II.

Keiser, a Springfield, Mo., native moved to northeast Ohio in 1940, becoming an assistant pro at Portage Country Club and later was the head pro at Firestone Country Club in Akron.

Among his students was Jack Stewart, the father of the late U.S. Open champion Payne Stewart.

Keiser also played in the 1947 Ryder Cup in Portland, Ore., a team captained by Hogan. While the United States won 11-1, Keiser's 4 and 3 loss to Sam King prevented a clean sweep.

Survivors also include sons Herman Jr., Greg and Dean, and three grandsons.