Felice Joseph Torza (March 15, 1920 – December 23, 1983) was an American professional golfer. He played primarily in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s.
Early life
Torza was born in Naples, Italy, on March 15, 1920.[1]
Professional career
Like most of the golfers of his generation, he earned his living primarily as a club professional during his regular career years. Torza worked as the head club pro at the Aurora Country Club in Aurora, Illinois for 28 years.[2][3]
Torza was the runner-up in the 1953 PGA Championship. He was defeated, 2 and 1, in the final by Walter Burkemo, in the match play era.[4]
Torza was nicknamed Toy Tiger[5] by his fellow golfers due to his fiercely competitive nature and diminutive stature.
Personal life
Torza died on December 23, 1983.
Honors and awards
- In 1965, he was inducted into the Connecticut Golf Hall of Fame.[6]
- In 1968, he was awarded the Illinois PGA Professional of the Year award.[2]
Professional wins (5)
- 1946 Connecticut Open
- 1947 Rhode Island Open
- 1950 Illinois Open Championship
- 1958 Illinois Open Championship
- 1965 Illinois Match Play Championship
References
- ^ Burrill, Jack (August 10, 1996). "Connecticut connections to the PGA Championship". CT Golfer. Retrieved September 14, 2007.
- ^ a b "A History of the Aurora Country Club". Archived from the original on September 13, 2007. Retrieved September 14, 2007.
- ^ "President's news from Aurora Country Club". Retrieved September 14, 2007. [dead link]
- ^ "Time Scoreboard". Time. July 20, 1953. Archived from the original on December 22, 2008. Retrieved September 14, 2007.
- ^ Harrington, Jeff. "Fenton Farms Evolves From Its Colorful Past". Michigan Golfer. Retrieved September 14, 2007.
- ^ CT Golf Hall of Fame Members Archived December 27, 2008, at the Wayback Machine