Felice Torza

American professional golfer (1920–1983

Felice Torza
Torza, circa 1953
Personal information
Full nameFelice Joseph Torza
Born(1920-03-15)March 15, 1920
Naples, Italy
DiedDecember 23, 1983(1983-12-23) (aged 63)
Sporting nationality United States
Career
StatusProfessional
Former tour(s)PGA Tour
Professional wins5
Best results in major championships
Masters TournamentT29: 1953
PGA Championship2nd: 1953
U.S. OpenT24: 1952
The Open ChampionshipDNP

Felice Joseph Torza (March 15, 1920 – December 23, 1983) was an American professional golfer. He played primarily in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s.

Early life

Torza was born in Naples, Italy, on March 15, 1920.[1]

Professional career

Like most of the golfers of his generation, he earned his living primarily as a club professional during his regular career years. Torza worked as the head club pro at the Aurora Country Club in Aurora, Illinois for 28 years.[2][3]

Torza was the runner-up in the 1953 PGA Championship. He was defeated, 2 and 1, in the final by Walter Burkemo, in the match play era.[4]

Torza was nicknamed Toy Tiger[5] by his fellow golfers due to his fiercely competitive nature and diminutive stature.

Personal life

Torza died on December 23, 1983.

Honors and awards

Professional wins (5)

  • 1946 Connecticut Open
  • 1947 Rhode Island Open
  • 1950 Illinois Open Championship
  • 1958 Illinois Open Championship
  • 1965 Illinois Match Play Championship

References

  1. ^ Burrill, Jack (August 10, 1996). "Connecticut connections to the PGA Championship". CT Golfer. Retrieved September 14, 2007.
  2. ^ a b "A History of the Aurora Country Club". Archived from the original on September 13, 2007. Retrieved September 14, 2007.
  3. ^ "President's news from Aurora Country Club". Retrieved September 14, 2007. [dead link]
  4. ^ "Time Scoreboard". Time. July 20, 1953. Archived from the original on December 22, 2008. Retrieved September 14, 2007.
  5. ^ Harrington, Jeff. "Fenton Farms Evolves From Its Colorful Past". Michigan Golfer. Retrieved September 14, 2007.
  6. ^ CT Golf Hall of Fame Members Archived December 27, 2008, at the Wayback Machine


  • v
  • t
  • e