The only golfer to win a major with an invitation

History · Published 2 November 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: In professional golf, invitations are usually reserved for past legends. Dave Stockton defied the odds by winning a major tournament as one of those invited guests. His career, defined by elite putting and longevity, saw him remain competitive into his sixties while leading some of the game's biggest teams.

Dave Stockton’s career is marked by a rare statistical anomaly at the 1967 Colonial National Invitation. He was selected as one of two 'Champion's Choice' invitees—a designation for former winners—yet he became the only person to ever win the tournament in the same year he received that specific invitation. This feat set the stage for a career defined by high-pressure execution, including his 1970 PGA Championship victory where he finished just two strokes ahead of Arnold Palmer.

Stockton was widely regarded as one of the premier putters in the history of the sport. His technical mastery was so significant that in 2009, he was credited with coaching Phil Mickelson on his putting to help secure a Tour Championship win. He later codified this expertise into a guide titled 'Unconscious Putting,' released in 2011. Beyond individual skill, Stockton demonstrated leadership as a captain for the U.S. team in the 1991 Ryder Cup at Kiawah Island.

His longevity is equally remarkable. After turning professional in 1964, he transitioned to the Senior PGA Tour (now the Champions Tour) in 1991. He dominated the senior circuit, topping the money list in both 1993 and 1994 and securing three senior majors. Stockton stayed highly competitive well into his sixties, securing spots within the Champions Tour top 50 for thirteen straight years until 2004.

Stockton's resume includes diverse accolades, such as making ten consecutive cuts between the 1972 Open Championship and the 1975 U.S. Open, and a three-year streak of top-10 finishes at the Masters from 1970 to 1971.

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