Abelard George "Abe" Espinsosa (February 9, 1889 – February 13, 1980) was an American professional golfer who is best known as the first Hispanic-American to win a significant professional championship.[1]

Abe Espinosa
Personal information
Full nameAbelard George Espinosa
Born(1889-02-09)February 9, 1889
Monterey, California
DiedFebruary 13, 1980(1980-02-13) (aged 91)
San Luis Obispo County, California
Sporting nationality United States
Career
StatusProfessional
Former tour(s)PGA Tour
Professional wins4
Number of wins by tour
PGA Tour3
Other1
Best results in major championships
Masters TournamentT38: 1934
PGA ChampionshipT5: 1926, 1931
U.S. OpenT7: 1924
The Open ChampionshipDNP

Born in Monterey, California, Espinosa was of Mexican-American descent, a club professional in Oakland, Chicago (Columbian Golf Club and Medinah Country Club), and at Shreveport Country Club in Louisiana, where one of his caddies was future U.S. Open Champion Tommy Bolt. Espinosa's younger brother Al (1891–1957) was also a professional golfer; both were known for their dashing, stylish attire on the links.[2]

Espinosa's first PGA Tour win came at the Western Open in 1928.[3] His best finish in a major was a tie for seventh at the U.S. Open in 1924.[4] After his playing days were over, he became involved in golf course architecture and design; his works include Heart River Municipal Golf Course in Dickinson, North Dakota.

Professional wins (4)

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PGA Tour wins (3)

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Other wins (1)

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References

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  1. ^ "Today in Golf History: July 28". Archived from the original on October 11, 2007. Retrieved December 21, 2007.
  2. ^ Smits, Garry (March 14, 1999). "'Terrible Tommy' put fling behind him". Jacksonville Times-Union. Retrieved December 21, 2007.
  3. ^ Rohm, Harland (July 29, 1928). "Abe Espinosa wins Western Open with 291". Chicago Sunday Tribune. p. 1, sec. 2.
  4. ^ Davis, Joe (June 7, 1924). "Walker wins National Open, Jones second". Chicago Daily Tribune. p. 13.