7 PGA Tour golfers who've served terms in the military ft. Arnold Palmer and K.J. Choi
Golfers are known for their remarkable performance on the golf courses. However, outside of playing the game professionally, many golfers have also served in the military, such as Arnold Palmer and K.J. Choi.
Palmer, popularly known by the nickname "The King," has won over 95 professional events in his career, while Choi is regarded as one of the most successful Asian Tour players on the PGA Tour.
Nonetheless, they are not the only ones who were part of the military service. Below is a list of the seven PGA Tour players who served terms in the military.
7 PGA Tour golfers who've served terms in the military
#1 Arnold Palmer
Arnold Palmer is one of the most successful golfers in the game and has 62 PGA Tour event wins and seven Majors during his career. Palmer also served in the army, having served a three-year stint in the Coast Guard between 1951 and 1954.
#2 K.J. Choi
South Korean golfer K.J. Choi fulfilled his mandatory military service before starting his professional career. In South Korea, male citizens aged between 18 and 35 are required to complete military service. Choi began playing golf in 1994 after completing his services and has won eight PGA Tour events, with his first being the Compaq Classic of New Orleans, which he won in 2002.
#3 Bobby Jones
Bobby Jones also served in the military in the Army Air Corps during the 1940s. During World War II, he was enlisted in the force and worked in aerial map analysis. Jones had a successful career on the PGA Tour, winning nine events. He was a co-founder of the Masters Tournament.
#4 Ben Hogan
Ben Hogan was in the United States Air Force during World War II. He was one of the most successful golfers on the PGA Tour during his time, winning 64 events on the circuit and nine Majors.
#5 Sam Snead
Sam Snead was one of the most successful players on the PGA Tour. He won 82 events on the circuit, tied for the highest in the history of the game. He also served in the military. During World War II, Snead enlisted in the US Navy and served as an athletic specialist but was discharged due to a back injury in 1944.
#6 Lee Trevino
Lee Trevino spent four years serving in the Marines. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he worked as a machine gunner and spent time playing golf. He started playing professionally after being discharged from the Marines. Trevino began his professional career in 1960 and won 29 events on the PGA Tour.
#7 Billy Hurley III
Billy Hurley III served in the United States Navy in 2004 and was promoted to the rank of lieutenant. He remained in the Navy until 2009 while also playing golf. Hurley III won one PGA Tour event in his career.