Miller-Barber-Obituary

Miller Barber

Obituary

Miller Barber, the unique-swinging golfer who made the most combined starts on the PGA and Champions tours, has died. He was 82.

The PGA Tour said Wednesday that Barber died Tuesday. The tour didn't provide details of the death.

Barber, nicknamed "Mr. X," played in 1,297 tournaments on the PGA Tour and 50-and-over circuit. He won 11 times in 694 PGA Tour starts and added 24 victories in 603 events on the Champions Tour.

"We are saddened by the passing of Miller Barber," PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem said in a statement. "He was a wonderful player who made his mark on the PGA Tour with 11 victories and then really excelled on Champions Tour, becoming one of its best players in the tour's formative years. Miller and the Champions Tour's other early stars helped establish the tour and make it the tremendous success it has become. Golf has lost a great man and competitor."

Barber was born in March 31, 1931, in Shreveport, La., and grew up in Texarkana, Texas. He graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1954, served in the U.S. Air Force and joined the tour in 1959. He won the 1964 Cajun Classic Open Invitational for his first tour title.

Known for his unusual swing that featured a flying right elbow, the two-time Ryder Cup player had his best chance to win a major championship in the 1969 U.S. Open at Champions Club outside Houston. But after taking a three-stroke lead into the final round, he closed with a 78 to finish three strokes behind winner Orville Moody.

Barber won five majors on the Champions Tour, including a record three U.S. Senior Open titles. He made his last competitive appearance last year in the Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf, teaming with Jim Ferree to tie for 11th in the Demaret Division for players 70 and older.

"Miller Barber was a true gentleman that was special in many ways," CBS analyst and instructor Peter Kostis said on Twitter. "I will miss him greatly."

PGA Tour player Geoff Ogilvy spent time with Barber at Whisper Rock in Arizona.

"Rest in peace Miller Barber," Ogilvy tweeted. "Thanks for all the tips and stories. The back of the range at Whisper Rock will never be the same."

Barber said there were two stories about how he was tagged "Mr. X."

In one, he took over the nickname from the original "Mr. X," George Bayer, after outdriving Bayer in a long-drive contest. In the other, Barber said Ferree called him "The Mysterious Mr. X" because, "I never told anywhere where I was going at night. I was a bachelor and a mystery man."

Barber is survived by wife Karen and sons Casey, Doug, Brad, Larry and Richard.


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Guest Book

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Miller owned a fly-fishing shop in Missoula, Montana, and I used to see him there occasionally. Very nice man.

Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us. Godspeed.

My deepest sympathy for your loss. I also loss my father this evening day at Lafayette, LA, he was also 82 years old. He knew of your father as my father loved to play golf and fish.

I'm sure they met each other in heaven and are watching over us.

God Bless!

PRAYER is very important at all times in life whether times of good, bad, or whatever situation one may be facing at a particular time in life. Draw close to God through PRAYER in this difficult time of losing a loved one in death and you would be surprised how God, Jehovah, will help you go through this time James 4:8.

The family and friends have my deepest sympathy for your loss. Trust in God and He will give you the necessary strength to endure this sad occasion. May Mr. Barber sleep in peace.

I am sorry for your loss. I hope you can find comfort in the words written at (Jeremiah 29:11,12)

I am sad for this great loss and sadder that I just discovered Miller's passing. A friend told me in conversation about my dad and his golfing days that he thought Miller was gone. I had tried to find Miller last December when my dad passed but couldn't get a specific contact even through Woodlawn. I grew up with Miller's name as a household word as he was in my house several times. While Miller was stationed in the Air Force at Perrin Field, he worked with my dad, Jerry White. Dad was...

Larry, Karen and the rest of Barber family,
We were sorry to hear about your great loss, my round of golf with Miller and Larry at the Karsten course is a great memory and there's even video.
God Bless you all and may Millers memory be a blessing.
If you continue to love the one you loose, you never loose the one you love
If you continue to love the one you loose you never loose the one you love