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Sports
Updated July 13, 2025
Craig Stadler
Craig Stadler is a professional golfer who won the 1982 Masters Tournament. He is known for his distinctive mustache and nickname The Walrus.
Born
June 2, 1953
Known For
- Winning the 1982 Masters Tournament
- Nicknamed 'The Walrus'
Notable Facts
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Won the 1982 Masters Tournament
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Nicknamed The Walrus for appearance
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Known for powerful short game skills
Career Highlights
Background
Craig Stadler was born on June 2, 1953, in San Diego, California. He attended the University of Southern California (USC), where he played collegiate golf and won the 1973 U.S. Amateur Championship. Stadler turned professional in 1976 and joined the PGA Tour, marking the beginning of his competitive golf career.
Major Contributions
Stadler's career highlights include 13 PGA Tour victories, most notably the 1982 Masters Tournament, where he defeated Dan Pohl in a playoff. He also won the 1996 Senior Players Championship and the 2004 Charles Schwab Cup Championship on the Champions Tour.
Invented the "Walrus grip," a unique putting style characterized by a hunched posture and close-hand placement.
Co-founded the golf equipment company "Stadler Golf," focusing on custom clubs and accessories.
Authored instructional golf books and videos, emphasizing short-game techniques.
Impact on Their Field
Stadler's influence extended beyond his tournament wins. His unorthodox playing style and relatable persona made him a fan favorite, broadening golf's appeal to casual audiences. His success on both the PGA Tour and Champions Tour demonstrated longevity in a highly competitive sport. The "Walrus grip" became a recognizable technique, often discussed in golf instruction circles.
Current Work/Relevance
Stadler remains active in golf through occasional appearances on the Champions Tour and participation in charity events. He serves as a golf analyst for broadcast networks, providing insights based on his decades of experience. His legacy endures through instructional materials and his impact on golf equipment design.
Craig Stadler was born on June 2, 1953, in San Diego, California. He attended the University of Southern California (USC), where he played collegiate golf and won the 1973 U.S. Amateur Championship. Stadler turned professional in 1976 and joined the PGA Tour, marking the beginning of his competitive golf career.
Major Contributions
Stadler's career highlights include 13 PGA Tour victories, most notably the 1982 Masters Tournament, where he defeated Dan Pohl in a playoff. He also won the 1996 Senior Players Championship and the 2004 Charles Schwab Cup Championship on the Champions Tour.
Impact on Their Field
Stadler's influence extended beyond his tournament wins. His unorthodox playing style and relatable persona made him a fan favorite, broadening golf's appeal to casual audiences. His success on both the PGA Tour and Champions Tour demonstrated longevity in a highly competitive sport. The "Walrus grip" became a recognizable technique, often discussed in golf instruction circles.
Current Work/Relevance
Stadler remains active in golf through occasional appearances on the Champions Tour and participation in charity events. He serves as a golf analyst for broadcast networks, providing insights based on his decades of experience. His legacy endures through instructional materials and his impact on golf equipment design.
Personal Story
Who They Are
Craig Stadler is a former professional golfer from the United States, born on June 2, 1953, in San Diego, California. Known for his burly physique and signature mustache, Stadler earned the nickname "The Walrus" early in his career. He turned professional in 1976 after a successful amateur stint, including a win at the 1973 U.S. Amateur Championship. Stadler’s relatable, everyman appearance and straightforward personality made him a fan favorite.
Why They Matter
Stadler’s career highlights include 13 PGA Tour wins and a major championship victory at the 1982 Masters Tournament, where he defeated Dan Pohl in a playoff. He was also a consistent performer in team events, representing the U.S. in the Ryder Cup twice (1983, 1985). Later in his career, Stadler found success on the Champions Tour (now PGA Tour Champions), racking up 14 wins and proving his longevity in the sport.
What They’re Known For
The 1982 Masters Win: Stadler’s dramatic playoff victory at Augusta National cemented his place in golf history.
Unique Swing and Style: His unorthodox, self-taught swing and casual demeanor stood out in a sport often associated with precision and polish.
Champions Tour Dominance: Stadler thrived among senior players, winning multiple times, including back-to-back Senior PGA Championships in 2003 and 2004.
The Walrus Persona: His nickname and down-to-earth charm made him one of golf’s most recognizable figures in the 1980s and 1990s.
Craig Stadler is a former professional golfer from the United States, born on June 2, 1953, in San Diego, California. Known for his burly physique and signature mustache, Stadler earned the nickname "The Walrus" early in his career. He turned professional in 1976 after a successful amateur stint, including a win at the 1973 U.S. Amateur Championship. Stadler’s relatable, everyman appearance and straightforward personality made him a fan favorite.
Why They Matter
Stadler’s career highlights include 13 PGA Tour wins and a major championship victory at the 1982 Masters Tournament, where he defeated Dan Pohl in a playoff. He was also a consistent performer in team events, representing the U.S. in the Ryder Cup twice (1983, 1985). Later in his career, Stadler found success on the Champions Tour (now PGA Tour Champions), racking up 14 wins and proving his longevity in the sport.
What They’re Known For