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Dave Hill Obituary
Hill died Tuesday in Jackson. He suffered from emphysema for several years, brother Mike Hill - also a former PGA Tour player - told the Jackson (Mich.) Citizen Patriot.
Hill finished second in the 1970 U.S. Open at Hazeltine in Minnesota, making headlines for saying the course "lacked only 80 acres of corn and a few cows to be a good farm" and that architect Robert Trent Jones "had the blueprints upside down."
"What he said about Hazeltine was the absolute, honest to God truth," Mike Hill said. "Players like Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player sat in the locker room and laughed. They knew it was true, but because of them not wanting to be involved, they would never say it. He was opinionated and stubborn. If he felt he was seeing things t hat weren't right, he always spoke out. He used to say, if you don't like the answer, you shouldn't ask the question."
In 1969, Hill won three tournaments, finished second on the money list and earned his first Ryder Cup appearance in addition to taking the Vardon Trophy with a 70.34 scoring average.
"Having the best stroke average was the thing that gave him the most satisfaction," Mike Hill said. "His biggest disappointment was not winning the U.S. Open like he felt he should have."
Hill also won six times on the Champions Tour.
"He is Jackson golf, as far as I'm concerned," said Ron Beurmann, golf professional at the Country Club of Jackson. "You go anywhere in my world and tell somebody you're from Jackson, and nine of 10 people will ask you, 'Isn't that where Dave and Mike Hill are from?'"
Hill is survived by son David and daughter Laura.
Services are scheduled Sunday at Clark Lake Golf Course.
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
22 Entries
Kipp
August 29, 2016
Dave was wonderful to me when I played in my first Colorado Opens at Hiwan CC. He took me, a young player, under his wing and generously showed me the ins and outs of Hiwan. I will never forget Dave's kindness and great sense of humor. He was a really good guy.
Victoria&Andrew
October 2, 2011
Our condolences
to DAVE HILL&FAMILY
Golfing is a valued
Sports time venue
He will be missed
rip`~DAVE~
October 2, 2011
Mike Hill and family,
My deepest sympathy
Chuck Taft, formerly of Ram Golf
Dave Hill--back in the GHO days Hartford CT, 1969
steve tantillo
October 1, 2011
How you can show support
Steve Tantillo
October 1, 2011
Very sorry to hear about Mr Hill, he was the first professional player I watched at a tour event--1969 GHO -Hartford CT...brings back nice memories of my early golf. Steve Tantillo, CT
Michael Tucker
September 30, 2011
He was a golfer that I always enjoyed following in person, in the paper and on TV. He may be gone, but he will not be forgotten. May all of his rounds be forever under par.
Steve Huckleby
September 30, 2011
I remember back in the 1970s Dave wrote a weekly golf tip that appeared in our local paper. I've never forgotten how he said to play uneven lies, and I've never had any trouble with those shots since. Thanks, Dave!
Also, Dave was the first player I ever saw chip with a fairway wood (a Cobra Baffler). People credit Tiger Woods with inventing that shot, and while I don't know if Dave invented it he was doing it long before Tiger was on Tour.
My condolences to Mike and the family. Mike, I still have an old Kroydon 5 wood with your name on it! Both you and Dave are long time personal favorites of mine.
September 30, 2011
May it comfort you to know that God, as well as others, care about your feelings at this time,
SLB, Michigan
September 30, 2011
All golf writers that covered Dave's career should donate money to Dave's favorite charity as he made their job easy by giving them so many colorful quotes. He and Mike are not going to be forgotten for a very loooooong time..My thoughts are with his family and friends today..
Bob Bainter
September 30, 2011
Condolences to the family. Dave Hill was one of my favorites to watch on TV in the late 1960s when i first started following golf. Thanks to Steve Croom for sharing the caddie story. Little gems like that are the reason i sometimes read the guest book entries. God bless all.
Alan
September 29, 2011
I sure enjoyed watching him play golf back in the 60's. Dave was the pro in a group at the Hope on year when I caddied for an amateur. That was before his famous Hazeltine comment. He was a colorful character on the tour back in the day, and he could flat play. Rest in Peace Dave!
September 29, 2011
All of us at The Palms Golf Course in La Quinta, CA will greatly miss you and are extremely thankful for the memorable times we spent with you. Our sincere condolences to the Hill Family.
J.D. Ebersberger-Director of Golf at The Palms
Richard Curry
September 29, 2011
My condolences to the Hill Family. I enjoyed watching Dave play. I still have his book "Teed Off". He spoke up when others wouldn't and made a difference. He will be missed.
Michael Marbury
September 29, 2011
God will remember you and you will live again. He will satisfy the desire of every living thing.We will see you again Dave rest in peace.Psalms 145:16
Steven Croom
September 29, 2011
It was 1984 at the Danny Thomas Memphis Classic. I had been working on the electrical crew for the tournament and Dave was rehabbing a back injury. I was in the parking lot area when he pulled in. At least 10 experienced caddies crowded around him. I was close enough to hear him say he did not want an experience caddie since he was rehabbing and did not want to push hard that weekend. I spoke up and told him all I could tell him about the course was where the electrical outlets were. He hired me on spot and told me to grab his bag. It must have weighed 100 pounds with all that lead tape. He was true to his word and never ask me for a single bit of advise as I had nothing to offer anyway. We spent most of the time just enjoying ourselves on the Golf course. It was amazing how he would tell me what he was going to do with his shot and then step up and do it. He added greatly to my love of the game and taught me many things about golf. I have enjoyed telling my Dave Hill caddie story over the years. He was a great guy! I'm sure my next round of golf will include many thoughts of Dave. My sympathy to the family. Thanks for the memories Dave!
Sandra Hill
September 29, 2011
Rest In Peace.
Connie Baldenegro
September 29, 2011
My deepest condolences to the Hill family, Dave was a friend of my husband Blackie Baldenegro (San Marcos) met at Don and Cathy's, all the good golfers are gone, what a foresome they will make in heaven Dave, Jhonny Quarty, Carl, Blackie.
My prayers are with the family.
Craig
September 29, 2011
To Dave's family - much sympathy on your loss. I enjoyed watching Dave play on senior tour and also enjoyed his book of which I have a signed copy. All birdies for you now, Dave - RIP
GOLF FAN
September 29, 2011
Could hardly wait to read Mondays sports page over the years. The name MIKE HILL will always be remembered.
(Hebrews 11:1) . . .Faith is the assured expectation of things hoped for, the evident demonstration of realities though not beheld.
D H
September 29, 2011
My condolences to the Hill family on Dave's death. The world of golf has truly lost an iconic figure. My heartfelt sympathy and prayers go out to all who knew and loved Dave, Romans 5:1 "Therefore, now that we have been declared righteous as a result of faith, let us enjoy peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Dave is well remembered..
Mike Devine
September 29, 2011
Hill family my condolences.
Mac McGraw
September 29, 2011
Deepest sympathies to the Hill family. I was fortunate enough to play with Dave Hill in a pro-am at a senior event in Nashville and he was an absolute joy to play with. That round is one of my fondest memories as a golfer.
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