Born in Fort Worth, Texas, Jack Burke Jr. took up golf at a young age, influenced by his father, Jack Burke Sr., a teaching pro at River Oaks Country Club in Houston . . . . . . . . . . . .
Burke served in the Marine Corps during World War II, from 1942 to 1946, where he taught combat skills to Marines headed to the Pacific . . . . . . . . . . . .
He turned professional in 1941 and won a total of 16 titles on the PGA Tour. His career was particularly remarkable in the 1950s and 1960s . . . . . . . . . . . .
Burke is renowned for winning two major titles in 1956: the Masters and the PGA Championship, achieving a historic comeback in the Masters . . . . . . . . . . . .
He was a five-time U.S. Ryder Cup Team member and captain in 1973, owning a 7-1-0 record in the event . . . . . . . . . . . .
Along with fellow major champion Jimmy Demaret, Burke established Champions Golf Club in Houston, a hub for golf in the region . . . . . . . . . . . .
Burke was as revered for his coaching as his playing, mentoring many golfers including Phil Mickelson and Hal Sutton . . . . . . . . . . . .
His contributions to golf were recognized with his induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2000 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Known for his wisdom and sharp wit, Burke's insights and teachings have left a lasting impact on the game of golf . . . . . . . . . . . .
Burke continued to play golf into his 90s and remained engaged with the sport, often greeting members at Champions Golf Club . . . . . . . . . . . .