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Rocky Thompson (golfer)
Hugh Delane "Rocky" Thompson (October 14, 1939 – March 13, 2021) was an American professional golfer who played on the PGA Tour and the Champions Tour. Early life and amateur careerIn 1939, Thompson was born in Shreveport, Louisiana. He attended the University of Houston and graduated in 1962. Professional careerIn 1964, Thompson turned pro. He played on the PGA Tour for many years but never recorded a victory. His best finish was a solo second place at the 1969 Western Open. Thompson's fortunes changed, however, once he reached the age of 50 and began competing on the Senior PGA Tour in 1990. His first win came at the 1991 MONY Syracuse Senior Classic. Thompson, who had played a combined 611 events on the PGA Tour and Senior PGA Tour, without a victory, famously said his impassioned celebratory speech: "But now if I never, ever win a PGA Tour event, right now, this minute, today, this week—" Thompson paused, his short soliloquy becoming louder with each enunciated syllable. He then hit his crescendo when he thrust his hips a little for effect, threw his fist in the air and yelled—screamed even— "I am the man!"[1] Later that same year, he won at the Digital Seniors Classic. In 1994, he won the GTE Suncoast Classic. He holds or shares several Champions Tour records. Personal lifeThompson was mayor of Toco, Texas, in the 1990s. He died on March 13, 2021, at the age of 81.[1] Professional wins (4)Regular wins (1)Senior PGA Tour wins (3)
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