Felice Torza

Felice Joseph Torza (March 15, 1920 – December 23, 1983) was an American professional golfer who played in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s.

Felice Torza
Personal information
Full name	Felice Joseph Torza
Born	March 15, 1920 Naples, Italy
Died	December 23, 1983 (aged 63)
Nationality	United States
Career
Status	Professional
Former tour(s)	PGA Tour
Professional wins	5
Best results in major championships
Masters Tournament	T29: 1953
PGA Championship	2nd: 1953
U.S. Open	T24: 1952
The Open Championship	DNP

Biography

Torza was born in Naples, Italy, on March 15, 1920.[1] Like most of the golfers of his generation, he earned his living primarily as a club professional during his regular career years. Torza worked as the head club pro at the Aurora Country Club in Aurora, Illinois for 28 years.[2][3]

Torza was the runner-up in the 1953 PGA Championship. He was defeated 2&1 in the final by Walter Burkemo, in the match play era.[4]

Torza was nicknamed Toy Tiger[5] by his fellow golfers due to his fiercely competitive nature and diminutive stature.

Torza was inducted into the Connecticut Golf Hall of Fame in 1965.[6] He was awarded the Illinois PGA Professional of the Year award in 1968.[2]

He died on December 23, 1983.

Professional wins

• 1946 Connecticut Open
• 1947 Rhode Island Open
• 1950 Illinois Open Championship
• 1958 Illinois Open Championship
• 1965 Illinois Match Play Championship

References

1. Burrill, Jack (10 August 1996). "Connecticut connections to the PGA Championship". CT Golfer. Retrieved 14 September 2007.
2. "A History of the Aurora Country Club". Archived from the original on 13 September 2007. Retrieved 14 September 2007.
3. "President's news from Aurora Country Club". Retrieved 14 September 2007.
4. "Time Scoreboard". Time, Inc. 20 July 1953. Retrieved 14 September 2007.
5. Harrington, Jeff. "Fenton Farms Evolves From Its Colorful Past". Michigan Golfer. Retrieved 14 September 2007.
6. CT Golf Hall of Fame Members Archived December 27, 2008, at the Wayback Machine