GSGA News

On this day: Tommy Aaron Won the 1970 Atlanta Classic

Written by Luke McCarthy, GSGA | May 24, 2024 1:42:19 PM

 

On this day in 1970, Tommy Aaron won the Atlanta Classic hosted by Atlanta Country Club. A native of Gainesville Ga., Aaron quickly made a name for himself as a junior winning the 1955 Class A Georgia High School title and advancing to the quarterfinals of the 1954 U.S. Junior Championship.  Aaron is the only player to win the Georgia Open and the Georgia Amateur in the same year, doing so in 1957 and 1960. Aaron would play college golf at the University of Florida, where he would win the 1957 and 1958 SEC Individual Championships. Aaron advanced to the finals of the 1958 U.S. Amateur and would play on the 1959 Walker Cup team. As a professional, Aaron is best known for winning the 1973 Masters tournament.  Beginning the last day with a three shot deficit, he shot a 68 in the final round to win by one.  He was a member of the 1969 and 1973 Ryder Cup teams. Aaron played in over 600 PGA Tour tournaments over 400 PGA Tour Champions Tour events. Aaron was inducted to the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame in 1989.