Full Breakdown
Lou Graham, 1975 U.S. Open Champion, Dies at 88
5/13/2026, 5:38:04 AM
Lou Graham's Death Confirmed
Lou Graham died on May 11, 2026, at age 88, as announced by the PGA Tour and the USGA. Friends said he had been in hospice care.
Early Life and Military Service
Born Jan. 7, 1938, in Nashville, Graham started golf at age 7, graduated from Father Ryan High School, and attended Memphis State University for three years before being drafted into the U.S. Army. Serving in the Old Guard of the Third Infantry Regiment, he won the Inter-Service championship in 1961.
Professional Golf Achievements
Graham joined the PGA Tour in 1964 and amassed six Tour victories. His signature win came at the 1975 U.S. Open at Medinah, where he erased an 11-stroke deficit to win an 18-hole playoff, the largest 36-hole comeback in U.S. Open history. He added three titles in 1979, earning Golf Digest’s Comeback Player of the Year award. He also played on three Ryder Cup teams (1973, 1975, 1977) and later competed on the Senior Tour, earning over $600,000.
Timeline of Key Milestones
- 1938 – Born in Nashville, Tennessee.
- 1964 – Joined PGA Tour.
- 1967 – First PGA win, Minnesota Golf Classic.
- 1975 – Won U.S. Open at Medinah; also World Cup with Johnny Miller.
- 1979 – Three PGA wins; Golf Digest Comeback Player of the Year.
- 2026 – Died May 11, age 88.
Official Statements & Institutional Responses
The PGA Tour and USGA issued statements confirming Graham’s death, noting his six Tour victories and his 1975 U.S. Open title. The Tennessee Golf Association highlighted his military-instilled discipline and humility, while the Tennessee Golf Foundation’s president praised his lasting influence on the sport and on aspiring golfers across the state.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I was tickled pink,” — Lou Graham, 1975 U.S. Open champion
- “It was a combination of a lot of different things that I did start to do better,” — Lou Graham, 40-year anniversary interview
- “I can still shoot my age (77) – sometimes.” — Lou Graham, 2015 interview with The Tennessean
- “In a report by the Tennessee Golf Association, friends and colleagues said Graham carried the discipline and humility he learned in the military throughout his life and golf career.” — Tennessee Golf Association report
Impact on Golf Community
After retiring, Graham remained active at Richland Country Club, The Golf Club of Tennessee, and Vanderbilt Legends Club. He mentored veterans through PGA HOPE sessions at Golf House Tennessee and supported junior golfers statewide, reflecting the discipline he credited to his Army service throughout his career and later years.
On-the-Ground Report
Friend and fellow pro Joe Taggert of Richland Country Club confirmed Graham was in hospice care before his death.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources agree on the May 11, 2026 death date and the six PGA Tour victories; no contradictions were found.
