Jim Colbert, an eight-time winner on the PGA Tour who later found success on the Champions Tour, died at the age of 85. He was known for his distinctive bucket hat and his consistent play over a long career.
Early Life and Career
Colbert was born on March 9, 1941, in Elizabeth, New Jersey. He attended Kansas State University, where he played college golf before turning professional in 1965. His first PGA Tour victory came in 1969 at the Azalea Open Invitational.
Over the next decade, Colbert established himself as a solid competitor on the tour, winning eight events between 1969 and 1983. His most notable victory came at the 1974 American Golf Classic. He also won the 1980 Pensacola Open and the 1983 Michelob-Houston Open.
Champions Tour Success
After turning 50, Colbert moved to the Champions Tour, where he enjoyed even greater success. He won 11 events on the senior circuit, including two senior major championships: the 1992 PGA Seniors' Championship and the 1993 Senior Players Championship. His success on the Champions Tour earned him the Arnold Palmer Award as the tour's leading money winner in 1992.
Legacy and Impact
Colbert was known not only for his golfing ability but also for his distinctive fashion sense. He often wore a bucket hat, which became his trademark. He was inducted into the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame in 1993.
Colbert is survived by his wife and two children. The golf community has expressed condolences, remembering him as a dedicated professional and a gentleman of the sport.
