Class of 1982

Bill Rogers

Professional Player

Biography

Though born in Waco on Arnold Palmer's 22nd birthday, September 10, 1951 Bill Rogers lived in Germany, North Africa and Alabama as a military brat. He began playing golf in Alabama at 9 years old. By the age of 13, Bill was playing competitively. He credits the family’s move to Texarkana and the relationship he formed with Northridge CC pro Jerry Robison for his progress as a junior player.

Rogers earned a scholarship at the University of Houston, where he roomed with fellow Texas Golf Hall of Famer Bruce Lietzke. Nicknamed “Panther” because he seemed like a caged cat, pacing back and forth while waiting to hit his next shot, Rogers won the 1972 Southern Amateur and the 1973 All-American Intercollegiate Invitational. Bill was an All-American in 1973 and earned his Tour card in 1974.

Between 1975 and 1983, Rogers won five PGA Tour events. In addition, Rogers put his name among the immortals by winning the 1981 Open Championship and was named PGA Player of the Year. He capped off the season as a winning member of the 1981 Ryder Cup team, and 10 years later, he guided the Ryder Cup team to victory as an assistant coach.

Rogers enhanced his reputation as an international player by capturing the Suntory Open in Japan, the New South Wales Open and the Australian Open. Bill had enjoyed precious success overseas, winning the 1977 Pacific Masters tournament and the 1980 Suntory Open.

In the late 1980s Bill moved to San Antonio and by the end of the 1990 Tour year, he became head pro at San Antonio Country Club. After a stint in the ownership at Briggs Ranch Golf Club, Bill occasionally played on the Champions Tour and has coached for the University of Texas San Antonio golf team.

Rogers was a board member of Golf San Antonio and the Director of Golf at San Antonio Country Club from 1990-2000. He also brought the American Junior Golf Association to San Antonio. Rogers was inducted into Houston Cougars Hall of Fame in 1987 and San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame in 2004.

Legacy Video

Career Highlights

5 PGA Tour wins
1981 Open Champion
Member of two winning Ryder Cup teams as a player (1981) and an assistant captain (1999)
1981 PGA Player of the Year
14 Worldwide wins

Boy on the Move

The son of an Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, Bill Rogers spent much of his early life bouncing between Waco, Morrocco, Germany and Alabama before settling in Texarkana.

What A Year

In 1981 Bill Rogers was the best golfer on the planet. Earning the title "Champion Golfer of the Year" by virtue of his Open Championship win at Royal St. Georges in Sandwich, England. He would win three more times on the PGA Tour during the year, including a playoff win over Ben Crenshaw at the Texas Open. All four PGA Tour wins in 1981 saw World Golf Hall of Fame members as runners-up. Bill would win three more times during the year. A successful defense in Japan, two wins in three weeks in Australia and a spot on the greatest Ryder Cup team ever assembled. He also finished runner-up to fellow Texas Golf Hall of Fame member David Graham and was named Player of the Year by the PGA Tour and PGA of America.

Stars and Stripes

In 1981 the son of a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Armed Forces got his chance to represent his country on the greatest Ryder Cup team ever assembled.

Slowing Down

Bill Rogers has a personality that resists saying "no" to people. The most sought after golfer in the world had a mountain of appearance requests and Rogers tried to field every one of them. The appearances came with the benefit of fees but also the burden of an increased workload, time away from family and a feeling of too much too soon. Before the decade was over Bill would align his job with his personal life, leaving the Tour to become director of golf at San Antonio Country Club and spend more time with Beth and his family and get consistent nourishment from his church.

Nice Guys Finish First

Bill Rogers never had a detractor on Tour. His kind demeanor and pleasant personality attracted friends from all over the globe. His unique style and humble manner had an impact on all, including his fellow Texas Golf Hall of Fame members.

Friends

From his playing career and beyond, Bill Rogers has countless friends, few, however, as close as fellow Texas Golf Hall of Fame member Buddy Cook.

Keepsake: Claret Jug

A replica of the oldest trophy in the game is just one of the benefits that befalls an Open Champion.

Keepsake: Player of the Year

Seven wins, one major, runner up in another. Who else could have possibly been named Player of the Year in 1981.

Keepsake: Ryder Cup Trophy

Although having played on the 1981 Ryder Cup team with six Texas Golf Hall of Fame members it was the 1999 team and their record setting comeback that provided a special keepsake for the captain and his assistants, all members of the '81 team and all members of this hall.