Billy Casper

Billy Casper was an American professional golfer who had an estimated net worth of more than $100 million at the time of his death in 2015. One of the most successful players in golf history, he won three major championships and 51 PGA Tour events over a career that spanned the 1950s to the 1970s.

Early Life & Family

William Earl Casper Jr. was born on June 24, 1931, in San Diego, California. He took up golf at age five, encouraged by his father, and learned much of his game by caddying at local courses. He briefly attended the University of Notre Dame on a golf scholarship but left after less than a semester, building his game instead on the competitive junior golf scene in San Diego before turning professional in 1954.

Rise to Fame

Casper’s rise came quickly on the PGA Tour, where his exceptional putting made him one of the most consistent scorers of his era. He won his first major championship, the U.S. Open, in 1959, defeating Arnold Palmer, and followed it with a second U.S. Open title in 1966, again beating Palmer after erasing a seven-shot deficit in the final round.

Career History

Over his career, Casper won 51 times on the PGA Tour, a total that ranks among the highest in tour history, and added a third major title at the 1970 Masters. He was named PGA Tour Player of the Year twice, in 1966 and 1970, and won the Vardon Trophy for low scoring average five times. He represented the United States on a then-record eight Ryder Cup teams and held the U.S. record for career Ryder Cup points won.

How They Built Their Wealth

Casper built his wealth through decades of tournament earnings, becoming just the second golfer in history to surpass $1 million in career PGA Tour money. After his playing career, he founded Billy Casper Golf, which grew into one of the largest privately owned golf course management companies in the United States, at one point owning or managing roughly 150 courses.

Personal Life

Casper married Shirley Franklin in 1952, and the couple raised eleven children together, six of whom were adopted. In 1966, at the height of his career, he joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a faith that became a significant part of his life. He died on February 7, 2015, at his home in Springville, Utah, at the age of 83.

Known Assets

Casper’s most significant business asset was Billy Casper Golf, the course management company he founded, which became one of the largest operators of its kind in the United States.

Billy Casper’s net worth was estimated at more than $100 million at the time of his death, reflecting both a Hall of Fame golf career and a successful business built around the sport after he stopped competing.