Walter Hagen

Walter Hagen was not only one of the most successful professional golfers of all time, but is also credited with raising the status of professional golfers. As a youth he loved both golf and baseball. Starting as a caddy, he worked his way up to instructor before competing professionally. He famously turned down a chance to try out for the Philadelphia Phillies, only to turn around and win the U.S. Open later that same week. He brought professional golfers into the clubhouse, and was one of the first sportsmen to earn a million dollars. He died of cancer in 1969.