Horton Smith

Horton Smith (May 22, 1908 – January 15, 1963) was an American professional golfer who emerged as one of the dominant figures in early professional golf during the 1930s and 1940s. Born in Springfield, Missouri, Smith turned professional at a young age and quickly established himself as a formidable competitor on the PGA Tour. He is best known for winning the Masters Tournament twice—in 1934 (the tournament's second year) and again in 1936—achievements that demonstrated his exceptional skill in major championship play. Over his career, Smith accumulated 32 PGA Tour victories, an impressive total during the competitive era of the Depression and World War II years. His prowess on the greens earned him a reputation as one of the finest putters of his era. Smith's career was characterized by consistency and longevity, competing at the highest levels for decades. Despite health challenges later in life, including a back injury that limited his play, Smith remained involved in golf and served as a mentor to younger professionals. His contributions to professional golf's early development helped establish the sport's institutional structures and competitive standards that persist today.