Gil Morgan
Gilmer Bryan "Gil" Morgan II (born September 25, 1946) is an American professional golfer renowned for his consistent performance on the PGA Tour and extraordinary success on the PGA Tour Champions, where he secured 25 victories including three senior major championships.[1][2] Born in Wewoka, Oklahoma, Morgan balanced a career in optometry—earning his Doctor of Optometry degree in 1972 from the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee—with elite-level golf, turning professional that same year after starring as an honorable mention All-American at East Central University.[1][3] Morgan's PGA Tour career spanned over two decades, during which he amassed seven victories, including the 1977 B.C. Open, the 1978 World Series of Golf, and the 1990 Kemper Open, while achieving 119 top-10 finishes and earning more than $5 million.[3][2] He represented the United States in the Ryder Cup in 1979 and 1983, and posted strong major championship results, such as third place at the 1983 U.S. Open and a tie for third at the 1984 Masters.[2] Transitioning to the senior circuit at age 50 in 1996, Morgan exploded with dominance, winning his first event just weeks later and capturing 25 titles overall, highlighted by back-to-back victories at The Tradition in 1997 and 1998, plus the 1998 Senior Players Championship.[4][1] His Champions Tour accomplishments include earning over $20.5 million, setting the record with 11 consecutive seasons (1997–2007) surpassing $1 million in prize money, and setting a mark with 31 consecutive under-par rounds in 2000.[2][5] Morgan received the Byron Nelson Award (for lowest scoring average) in 2000 and 2001, and was inducted into the Oklahoma Golf Hall of Fame in 2015 as part of its inaugural class.[2] Now retired from competitive play, residing in Edmond, Oklahoma, Morgan's legacy endures as one of the most precise and enduring figures in professional golf.[1]Background
Early life
Gilmer Bryan Morgan II was born on September 25, 1946, in Wewoka, Oklahoma, a small town of around 4,000 residents located about 70 miles east of Oklahoma City.[1][6] His father, Gilmer Morgan, worked in the tombstone business, while his mother owned a local restaurant, providing a modest family background in the rural Seminole County community.[7][8] Growing up in this close-knit, small-town environment, Morgan developed an early interest in a variety of sports during his high school years at Wewoka High School. He excelled as the starting quarterback on the football team and averaged 14 points per game as a basketball player, reflecting the active, multi-sport lifestyle common among children in 1950s and 1960s Oklahoma.[9] Family influence played a role in his pursuits, with his parents encouraging a practical career path in optometry alongside his athletic endeavors.[8] Morgan's introduction to golf came relatively late, during his junior year of high school, when he expressed interest to his father and began playing on the local Wewoka course. His father recalled that Morgan came home one day asking for support to pursue the sport, marking the start of his dedication to golf amid the town's limited but accessible facilities.[7] He quickly progressed to competitive play, joining the high school golf team the following year and gaining initial experience through local junior tournaments, which honed his skills in a supportive community setting.[7]Education and early career
Morgan attended East Central State College (now East Central University) in Ada, Oklahoma, where he earned a bachelor's degree in biology in 1968 while playing on the college golf team.[10][7] During his junior year, he decided to pursue a professional career in golf but chose to complete his education before turning pro.[11] After graduating from East Central, Morgan enrolled at the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee, and received his Doctor of Optometry degree in 1972.[1][10] This qualification earned him the lifelong nickname "Doc" among fellow golfers and fans.[11] Despite his optometry credentials, Morgan never actively practiced the profession, instead using it as a safety net while dedicating himself to golf ambitions in the early 1970s.[1][10] He maintained his license for several years as a precautionary measure during his initial forays into professional golf circuits.[6]PGA Tour career
Professional debut and early years
Gil Morgan turned professional in 1972, shortly after earning his Doctor of Optometry degree from the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee. Although qualified to enter the field of optometry, he opted not to practice, instead treating the degree as a professional fallback while committing to a full-time pursuit of golf.[10][1][11] Morgan earned his PGA Tour card by succeeding at the 1973 Qualifying School, allowing him to debut in the 1974 season. His rookie year proved challenging as he adapted to the rigors of full-time professional competition, including extensive travel and the need for consistent results to retain exempt status; he finished 94th on the money list that year, reflecting modest initial earnings and the steep learning curve for a newcomer balancing ambition with the tour's demands.[12][13][8] Throughout the late 1970s, Morgan demonstrated steady improvement, climbing to 42nd on the money list in 1976 with $61,372 in earnings and achieving a career-high second place in 1978. By 1979, he had established himself with consistent top-100 money list finishes, highlighted by multiple top-10 results that underscored his growing reliability on the circuit. In 1980, fully established on tour, Morgan definitively set aside any optometry plans to dedicate himself entirely to professional golf.[8][13] Peers nicknamed Morgan "Doc" in reference to his optometry background, a moniker that stuck throughout his career. His playing style was characterized by precision off the tee and proficiency in the short game, enabling a methodical approach that prioritized consistency over raw power.[11][6]Major tournament performances
Morgan's performances in the four major championships during his PGA Tour career demonstrated his competitive edge and consistency, particularly in the 1980s, though he never claimed a title. He achieved third-place finishes in three majors, including solo third at the 1983 U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club, where he shot rounds of 73-72-70-68 to finish two strokes behind winner Larry Nelson and one stroke behind runner-up Tom Watson.[14] His other third-place results came at the 1980 PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club (68-70-73-72 for 283, tied for third) and the 1990 PGA Championship at Shoal Creek (77-72-65-72 for 286, solo third after a third-round 65).[15][16] At the Masters Tournament, Morgan's peak came in 1984 with a tie for third (73-71-69-67 for 280, tied with David Edwards), where he led after 36 holes before consecutive 69-67 closing rounds.[17][2] In the Open Championship, his best showing was a tie for 10th in 1980 at Muirfield (70-70-71-72 for 283).[18]| Year | Tournament | Finish |
|---|---|---|
| 1976 | PGA Championship | T8 |
| 1978 | PGA Championship | T4 |
| 1980 | The Open Championship | T10 |
| 1980 | PGA Championship | T3 |
| 1983 | Masters Tournament | T8 |
| 1983 | U.S. Open | 3 |
| 1984 | Masters Tournament | T3 |
| 1990 | PGA Championship | 3 |
PGA Tour victories
Gil Morgan secured seven victories on the PGA Tour between 1977 and 1990, spanning the early and later stages of his regular tour career. These wins, often marked by steady play and clutch performances in playoffs or final rounds, contributed to his total PGA Tour earnings of $5,259,164 and helped establish him as a consistent performer with 119 top-10 finishes across 544 starts.[21] His triumphs highlighted a career of longevity, with the final victory coming at age 43 after a seven-year drought, underscoring his resilience despite vision challenges from keratoconus.[1][22] Morgan's first PGA Tour win came at the 1977 B.C. Open, held September 9–12 at En-Joie Golf Club in Endicott, New York, where he shot a tournament-record 270 (14-under par) to finish five strokes ahead of Joe Inman.[23] This breakthrough victory, his only one that season, came after four full years on tour since joining in 1973 and earned him $40,000, pushing his annual earnings over $100,000 for the first time.[24] In 1978, Morgan claimed two titles, starting with the Glen Campbell Los Angeles Open on February 16–19 at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California. He posted rounds of 66-69-73-70 for a total of 278 (6-under par), winning by two strokes over Ray Floyd and Andy Bean to collect $40,000.[25] Later that year, he captured the World Series of Golf on August 31–September 3 at Firestone Country Club (South Course) in Akron, Ohio, defeating Hubert Green with a par on the first playoff hole after both finished at 278 (2-under par); this $100,000 winner's share marked his biggest payday to date.[26] Morgan's 1979 victory occurred at the Danny Thomas Memphis Classic, played June 27–July 1 at Colonial Country Club (South Course) in Cordova, Tennessee. He overcame Larry Nelson in a playoff, sinking a 40-foot birdie putt on the second extra hole after both tied at 278 (10-under par), earning $54,000 in the process.[27][25] A standout season came in 1983, when Morgan won back-to-back events to start the year. At the Joe Garagiola Tucson Open (January 6–9) on the North Course at Randolph Golf Complex in Tucson, Arizona, he birdied the second playoff hole to edge Curtis Strange and Lanny Wadkins after a 271 (9-under par) total, securing $54,000.[28] One week later, he defended his title at the Glen Campbell Los Angeles Open (January 13–16) at Rancho Park Golf Course in Los Angeles, California, firing a third-round 63 en route to a 270 (14-under par) and a two-stroke victory over Chen Tze-chung for another $54,000—this marked his second win at the event and sixth overall on tour.[29][25] Morgan's final PGA Tour triumph was the 1990 Kemper Open, held June 1–4 at TPC at Avenel in Potomac, Maryland. After a seven-year winless stretch, he birdied holes 13 and 15 in the final round to pull ahead, then parred the last three for a 274 (10-under par) total, winning by one stroke over Ian Baker-Finch and pocketing $180,000—his career highlight that boosted his standing and led to strong finishes on the money list that year.[22] These victories collectively earned him over $522,000 in prize money, playing a key role in sustaining his tour presence into his 40s before a successful transition to the Champions Tour.[25]Champions Tour career
Transition and rookie success
Morgan transitioned to the Senior PGA Tour—now known as the PGA Tour Champions—upon turning 50 in September 1996, following the expiration of his regular PGA Tour playing privileges in the mid-1990s.[30] His debut came late in the 1996 season, where he secured his first victory at the Ralphs Senior Classic just two weeks after gaining eligibility.[30] In his full rookie season of 1997, Morgan demonstrated exceptional adaptation to the senior circuit's more measured pace and older field, capturing six tournament titles and posting earnings of $2,160,562 to finish second on the money list behind Hale Irwin.[31] This dominant performance earned him the Senior PGA Tour Rookie of the Year award, based on peer votes recognizing his impact as the leading first-year player.[32] Notable early successes included victories at the BellSouth Senior Classic in June, the First of America Classic in August, and the Ralphs Senior Classic in November, showcasing his precise ball-striking and steady putting in senior competition.[4]Major senior victories
Gil Morgan achieved three major victories on the Champions Tour, all occurring during his dominant 1997–1998 seasons, which marked a significant breakthrough after a solid but major-less career on the PGA Tour. His first senior major triumph came at the 1997 Tradition at Desert Mountain in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he posted a tournament-record 22-under-par 266, winning by six strokes over Hale Irwin in his second career senior start. This victory, his first professional major at any level, highlighted Morgan's precision and consistency, as he carded four sub-70 rounds despite challenging desert conditions and windy play.[33] Building on that momentum, Morgan captured the Tradition for the second consecutive year in 1998, defeating Tom Wargo by two strokes with a 12-under-par total of 276 at Desert Mountain Country Club in Scottsdale, Arizona. Later that year, he secured his third senior major at the Ford Senior Players Championship at the TPC of Michigan in Dearborn, birdieing six of the first 10 holes en route to a three-stroke victory over Hale Irwin, finishing at 21-under-par 267. These consecutive major wins in 1998 established Morgan as one of the tour's elite performers, earning him over $1 million in prize money that season alone and contributing to his six total victories that year.[34][35] Beyond these triumphs, Morgan recorded several strong showings in other senior majors, including a tie for fifth at the 1997 U.S. Senior Open and a tie for fourth at the 1998 U.S. Senior Open, underscoring his sustained competitiveness in high-stakes events. These major successes, combined with 25 overall Champions Tour wins, elevated Morgan's standing in senior golf, culminating in his 2015 induction into the Oklahoma Golf Hall of Fame for his enduring contributions to the sport.[36][2]Champions Tour victories
Morgan's success on the Champions Tour extended beyond his three major championships, where he amassed 22 additional victories from 1996 to 2007, contributing to his total of 25 wins and career earnings of $20,631,930 on the tour.[4] His rookie year in 1997 marked a record-setting debut, with six overall triumphs that showcased his precision and consistency, earning him the Rookie of the Year honors.[4] In 1997, Morgan captured five non-major titles: the Energizer Senior Tour Championship, Ralphs Senior Classic (his second win there in as many years), First of America Classic, BellSouth Senior Classic at Opryland, and Ameritech Senior Open. These victories highlighted his strong short game and ability to close under pressure, as seen in his wire-to-wire win at the Energizer event where he finished at 16-under par.[4][37] The following year, 1998, saw Morgan maintain his momentum with four non-major wins: the Vantage Championship, Utah Showdown Presented by Smith's, MasterCard Championship, and LG Championship. His performance at the MasterCard, the season opener limited to prior year's top earners, underscored his dominance among elite seniors, defeating Hale Irwin in a battle of the tour's leading players.[4][38] From 1999 to 2000, Morgan added five more non-major victories, including back-to-back wins at the Comfort Classic in 1999 and 2000, as well as the Kroger Senior Classic in 1999, The Instinet Classic in 2000, and the Emerald Coast Classic in 2000. His repeat at the Comfort Classic, played at Brickyard Crossing Golf Club, demonstrated sustained form, where he overcame windy conditions to win by two strokes in 1999.[4][39] During his peak years of 2001 to 2003, Morgan secured four non-major titles, reflecting his ongoing competitiveness into his mid-50s. Notable among these were repeat victories at The Instinet Classic in 2001 and the ACE Group Classic in 2001, followed by the BellSouth Senior Classic at Opryland in 2002 and the Kroger Classic in 2003. These wins often featured low scoring, such as his 18-under total at the 2001 Instinet Classic, emphasizing his accurate iron play and putting.[4] Morgan's later successes included the SBC Classic in 2004, the Allianz Championship in 2006—where he birdied the final hole to secure a one-stroke victory—and his final non-major win at the Wal-Mart First Tee Open at Pebble Beach in 2007, capping a career that established him as one of the tour's all-time greats with 25 total victories.[4]| Year | Tournament |
|---|---|
| 1996 | Ralphs Senior Classic |
| 1997 | Energizer Senior Tour Championship Ralphs Senior Classic First of America Classic BellSouth Senior Classic at Opryland Ameritech Senior Open |
| 1998 | Vantage Championship Utah Showdown Presented by Smith's MasterCard Championship LG Championship |
| 1999 | Kroger Senior Classic Comfort Classic |
| 2000 | Comfort Classic The Instinet Classic Emerald Coast Classic |
| 2001 | The Instinet Classic ACE Group Classic |
| 2002 | BellSouth Senior Classic at Opryland |
| 2003 | Kroger Classic |
| 2004 | SBC Classic |
| 2006 | Allianz Championship |
| 2007 | Wal-Mart First Tee Open at Pebble Beach |
Other professional achievements
International and additional wins
Morgan's international success began with a victory on the Japan Golf Tour at the 1978 Pacific Club Masters in Gotemba, where he carded a final-round 70 to reach 11-under-par 273, securing a three-stroke margin over Jerry Pate. This triumph marked his only official win on the Japanese circuit and highlighted his adaptability to overseas competition early in his professional career.[40] Beyond the PGA Tour, Morgan claimed the 1981 Oklahoma Open at KickingBird Golf Club in Edmond, overcoming a competitive field to earn his first state title. Two years later, in 1983, he co-won the Jerry Ford Invitational in Vail, Colorado, tying with Don Pooley for the pro division honors in the annual charity event hosted by former President Gerald Ford. Morgan revisited local success by defending his Oklahoma Open crown in 1997 at Oak Tree Country Club, finishing atop the leaderboard in the long-running regional tournament.[41][42][43] Transitioning to the senior ranks, Morgan amassed additional victories in non-standard events, often team formats that complemented his individual prowess. In 1997, he partnered with Jay Sigel to win the Diners Club Matches Senior PGA division, clinching the title 1-up over Jack Kiefer and Bob Duval on the sixth playoff hole at PGA West. The following year, Morgan soloed to victory at the Senior Slam in Los Cabos, Mexico, leading by five strokes after the opening round en route to a dominant performance at Cabo del Sol Golf Club. He repeated as Senior Slam champion in 1999 in Los Cabos, Mexico, at Cabo Real Golf Course.[44][45][46] Morgan closed out these additional senior accolades with a 1999 Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf win alongside Hubert Green, posting a tournament-record 22-under-par 194 at the Golf Club of Amelia Island. These extracurricular triumphs underscored his versatility across formats and locales.[47]Playoff records
Gil Morgan compiled a playoff record of 3 wins and 10 losses across his professional career on the PGA Tour and Champions Tour.[3][4]PGA Tour Playoffs
Morgan participated in seven PGA Tour playoffs between 1978 and 1990, securing three victories through decisive performances in sudden-death formats.[3] His first playoff win came at the 1978 World Series of Golf, where he outlasted Hubert Green.[3] This was followed by a victory at the 1979 Danny Thomas Memphis Classic against Larry Nelson, and in 1983, he prevailed at the Joe Garagiola-Tucson Open by birdieing the second playoff hole to defeat Curtis Strange and Lanny Wadkins.[3] His four losses included a defeat to Wayne Levi in the 1980 Pleasant Valley Jimmy Fund Classic and a three-way loss to Bobby Clampett, Hale Irwin, and Peter Jacobsen at the 1981 Buick Open.[3] In 1990, he fell short in two playoffs: to Tony Sills at the Independent Insurance Agent Open and in a four-man sudden-death to T.C. Chen, Fred Couples, Barry Jaeckel, and Scott Simpson at the Kemper Open.[3] These experiences highlighted Morgan's competitiveness in high-pressure situations, yielding a 43% win rate on the PGA Tour.[3]Champions Tour Playoffs
On the Champions Tour, Morgan entered six playoffs from 1997 to 2007 but did not secure a victory in any, facing strong competition from fellow senior standouts.[4] His initial senior playoff appearance resulted in a loss to Isao Aoki at the 1997 Emerald Coast Classic.[4] In 2000, he was defeated by John Jacobs at the Bruno's Memorial Classic and by Jim Dent and Larry Nelson at the Vantage Championship.[4] Further losses came against José María Cañizares in the 2001 Toshiba Senior Classic, to Tom Watson and Dana Quigley in the 2005 Bayer Advantage Classic, and in a six-player playoff won by R.W. Eaks at the 2007 Boeing Classic.[4] Despite these setbacks, Morgan's overall success on the tour—marked by 25 victories—underscored his consistency beyond playoffs.[4]| Tour | Year | Tournament | Opponents | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PGA Tour | 1978 | World Series of Golf | Hubert Green | Won |
| PGA Tour | 1979 | Danny Thomas Memphis Classic | Larry Nelson | Won |
| PGA Tour | 1980 | Pleasant Valley Jimmy Fund Classic | Wayne Levi | Lost |
| PGA Tour | 1981 | Buick Open | Bobby Clampett, Hale Irwin, Peter Jacobsen | Lost |
| PGA Tour | 1983 | Joe Garagiola-Tucson Open | Curtis Strange, Lanny Wadkins | Won |
| PGA Tour | 1990 | Independent Insurance Agent Open | Tony Sills | Lost |
| PGA Tour | 1990 | Kemper Open | T.C. Chen, Fred Couples, Barry Jaeckel, Scott Simpson | Lost |
| Champions Tour | 1997 | Emerald Coast Classic | Isao Aoki | Lost |
| Champions Tour | 2000 | Bruno's Memorial Classic | John Jacobs | Lost |
| Champions Tour | 2000 | Vantage Championship | Jim Dent, Larry Nelson | Lost |
| Champions Tour | 2001 | Toshiba Senior Classic | José María Cañizares | Lost |
| Champions Tour | 2005 | Bayer Advantage Classic | Tom Watson, Dana Quigley | Lost |
| Champions Tour | 2007 | Boeing Classic | R.W. Eaks, David Eger, Naomichi Ozaki, Dana Quigley, Craig Stadler, Denis Watson | Lost |