Middlecoff, Cary (Emmett Cary)
Golf
b. Jan. 6, 1921, Halls, TN
After receiving his degree as a doctor of dental surgery in 1944, Middlecoff served in the U. S. Army Dental Corps. As an amateur golfer, he won the 1945 North and South Open and was named to the Walker Cup team. He declined the invitation in order to join the PGA tour, giving himself two years to succeed. He never practiced dentistry again.
Middlecoff was the most successful golfer on the tour during the fifteen years after World War II, winning thirty-seven tour events. He was the U. S. Open champion in 1949 and 1956 and he won the Masters by seven strokes in 1955. He won the 1956 Vardon Trophy for the fewest average strokes per round.
A long driver, Middlecoff was known as the fastest walker and slowest player on the pro tour. After hitting the ball, he'd head toward it as if he couldn't wait to take his next shot, and then he'd spend minutes agonizing over it. During the early 1960s, back problems and putting woes troubled his game and eventually forced his retirement. Middlecoff frequently did golf commentary on television and he also wrote several books on golf.