Houston mourns the loss of a local and national golf icon as Jack Burke Jr., the celebrated Masters champion and co-founder of Champions Golf Club, passed away Friday at the age of 100. According to FOX 26 Houston, Burke was just days shy of his 101st birthday when he died in Houston, leaving behind a legacy marked by major victories and a profound influence on the sport.
Renowned for staging the greatest comeback in Masters history, Burke's triumph at Augusta National in 1956 is still talked about in golfing circles. He started the final round eight shots behind the leader and battled blustery conditions to claim a one-shot victory. His wife of 37 years, Robin Burke, noted that he remained passionate about life and golf until his last moment. Burke's winning spirit and character were hallmarked by a sharp wit and a wealth of homespun wisdom, with memorable quotes like, "Why did golf give us 34 rules when God only gave us 10 commandments?" as reported by FOX 26 Houston.
Beyond his prowess as a player, Burke was an exceptional mentor, recognized for shaping talents like Ben Crenshaw, Steve Elkington, and Hal Sutton. As KHOU 11 reported, Hal Sutton expressed his gratitude, "Personally, he helped shape my life as a golfer and as a person." In tribute, Phil Mickelson took to social media, noting, "I’ll always appreciate how giving of his time he was to anyone who wanted to learn and work at the game of golf."
The local sports authority called Burke "an icon in the sport," recognizing his role in growing the sport not only in Houston but throughout the country. His humorous and sometimes biting commentary spanned decades, never shying away from pointing out the changes in golf culture he observed, such as players enjoying video games at a Ryder Cup event, as opposed to the old-school ways of players like Ben Hogan and Arnold Palmer. Despite his passing, Burke's teachings, words, and unyielding love for golf continue to resonate within the community. Details for Jackie’s celebration of life are still being arranged by the family, as stated by his widow Robin Burke in an interview with KHOU 11.
