Inspired at the age of 13 by Byron Nelson, Ken Venturi knew he wanted to become a competitive golfer. He practiced for up to eight hours a day, forgetting his doctor's diagnosis of a permanent stammering problem in the solace of golf. His dedication to the game paid off in 1956, when Venturi turned professional. His success continued, claiming 14 PGA Tour victories between 1957 and 1966. Venturi is well known for his dramatic win of the 1964 U.S. Open on the 36-hole final day when temperatures soared above the 100§F mark and threatened players with heat exhaustion. Later that year, he was named PGA Player of the Year and Sports Illustrated's Sportsman of the Year. In 1965, he was selected for the Ryder Cup Team. Throughout his career, Venturi battled various physical ailments to remain on the Tour. At age 33, severe carpal tunnel syndrome finally forced him to retire. Having overcome his childhood stammering problem, Venturi found a new career as a golf analyst for CBS Sports. Thirty-two years later, Venturi retired from CBS as the longest running lead analyst in the history of televised sports. The PGA of America recognized his outstanding career with CBS in 1999 by presenting him with the Lifetime Achievement in Journalism Award. On May 12, 1999, Venturi was highly honored by his appointment as Captain of the 2000 U.S. President's Cup Team. He described the overwhelming American victory and recovery of the coveted President's Cup trophy as a great way to cap it all off and wind down a career." However, Venturi plans to express his lifelong loyalty and respect for the tradition of golf by occasionally hosting future CBS broadcasts and continuing to speak at corporate outings and charity events."
