Jimmy Demaret

Years after retiring from competitive golf, Jimmy Demaret was questioned whether he could have achieved more if he had approached the sport with greater seriousness. His reply was characteristically honest: "If I had, I wouldn't have won a thing."

Born in Houston in 1910, James Newton Demaret was deeply committed to his golfing career. He clinched three Masters victories and 28 additional PGA Tour events, earning a reputation as one of the finest players in challenging wind conditions.

Despite his unconventional stance, with feet barely apart even when using a driver, Demaret's large hands and exceptional skill made him a master at controlling the golf ball. His career was a unique blend of intense focus and playful enjoyment.

It’s often said that Jimmy Demaret’s vibrant personality and zest for life contributed as much to the sport as his exceptional golfing skills, if not more. Like many golfers of his era, Demaret began his journey as a caddie.

Upon joining the professional tour in 1927, golfers adhered to a uniform dress code: brown or gray trousers, brown or black shoes, a white dress shirt, a tie, and occasionally a fedora.

The attire was not only muted in color and style but also made from heavy fabrics that, in the heat of locker rooms, emitted an unpleasant odor, as Jimmy once noted.

In the late 1930s, during a visit to New York City, Demaret ventured into a garment district shop frequented by movie stars for custom clothing.

There, he discovered rolls of lightweight fabric in a dazzling array of vibrant hues that immediately captivated him.

Demaret often recalled that his love for vibrant colors came from his father, a house painter who manually mixed paints and tested shades on their home walls before machine-mixed paints became common.

Jimmy inquired if he could have golf shirts and trousers made from the colorful fabrics he admired. When informed the material was intended for women’s clothing, he insisted it didn’t matter—he wanted to wear them on the golf course.

His wish was granted, sparking a fashion revolution in golf. Players began sporting brighter, lighter attire, with the new shirts making it easier to swing clubs comfortably.

Demaret’s contributions to golf extended beyond his wardrobe. His cheerful personality, infectious smile, hearty laugh, and knack for storytelling made him a beloved figure, much like a professional entertainer.

In his youth, Demaret performed as a singer at a Galveston, Texas, nightclub owned by his first professional sponsor. He was always eager to share his melodic tenor voice at social gatherings, and his witty remarks have become a staple in golf quote collections.

One morning, Jimmy woke up to find Pebble Beach blanketed in snow and joked, "I know I had too much to drink last night, but how did I end up at Squaw Valley?" When a struggling golfer sought his advice, Demaret retorted, "Take two weeks off—then quit the game altogether."

Before golf was televised, Demaret frequently provided radio commentary for tournaments, bringing his playful and spontaneous energy to the broadcasts. His most unforgettable moment came when Lew Worsham sank a 105-yard shot to win the 1953 Tam O'Shanter World Championship.

"The darn thing went straight into the hole," Demaret exclaimed during the broadcast.

As golf entered the television era, Demaret was among the pioneers. For five years, he served as a sharp and humorous commentator alongside Gene Sarazen on the Emmy Award-winning show Shell's Wonderful World of Golf, which aired in the 1960s and significantly boosted the sport's popularity globally.

Demaret’s collaboration with Fred Raphael, the producer of the Shell show, paved the way for the Senior PGA Tour. His influence helped launch the televised event Legends of Golf in 1978, where the duo of Sam Snead and Gardner Dickinson emerged victorious.

The tournament revived competitive play for legendary Tour professionals aged 50 and above, serving as the catalyst—or "father"—of the Senior PGA Tour. The initial 12 events took place at Onion Creek Country Club in Austin, Texas, a course designed by Demaret himself.

Demaret’s most enduring legacy to golf is The Champions Golf Club in Houston, which he co-founded and co-owned with Jack Burke Jr. The club features two exceptional courses, Jackrabbit and Cypress Creek, with the latter hosting prestigious events like the Ryder Cup (1967), the U.S. Open (1969), and the U.S. Amateur (1995).

While Demaret didn’t design the courses, he left his mark on their surroundings. He ensured the grounds were adorned with vibrant, colorful flowers, adding a touch of his signature flair.

Demaret also oversaw the creation of a men's locker room that embodies camaraderie—a welcoming space featuring a large, beautifully crafted bar where golfers could gather for hours, sharing stories about the game and enjoying good company. It was a place that truly reflected Demaret’s spirit.

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