The Life and Times of Hale Irwin

Some things in life are open for debate. Others are irrefutable. Among the latter is that Hale Irwin is the greatest champion ever to “hail” from Colorado. Irwin’s legacy as one of only six players in the history of the game to win three U.S. Opens, his incredible Champions Tour record and his roots here in Colorado as an amateur player and four sport athlete will be celebrated on November 23rd at the first Hale Irwin Dinner at The Broadmoor. Irwin’s inspirational story will be shared along with recognition of two other Colorado icons—Dale Douglass and Jennifer Kupcho as the golf community gathers for this “Champions Weekend” at Colorado’s only five-diamond resort. Over the coming weeks we will be sharing Irwin’s story with a series of articles by our esteemed golf reporter, Gary Baines.

Intro – This is Your Life, Hale Irwin

Gary BainesPosted on September 18, 2019

Introducing Hale Irwin: Colorado’s greatest golf champion. This is the first in a series of articles documenting his legacy.

Irwin’s Legacy Pt. 1 – A Gritty Start

Gary BainesPosted on September 24, 2019

Considering what Hale Irwin has accomplished in golf, it’s hard to fathom where it all started for him.

Irwin’s Legacy Pt. 2 – Multi-Sport Athlete in Boulder

Gary BainesPosted on October 1, 2019

Irwin — who attended Casey Middle School upon moving to Boulder, then graduated to Boulder High School starting in his sophomore year — competed in golf, football and basketball at BHS, and excelled at each.

Irwin’s Legacy Pt. 3 – Stellar Amateur Career in Colorado

Gary BainesPosted on October 14, 2019

In a five-year period beginning in 1962, Irwin won five CGA championships, including four open-age state amateurs — three in stroke play and one in match play.

Irwin’s Legacy Pt. 4 – Busy Athlete at CU

Gary BainesPosted on October 14, 2019

At CU, Irwin juggled football, golf and, of course, school, which was no small task considering the high level at which he competed in both sports. After all, Irwin was a two-time All-Big Eight Conference player as a 180-pound safety in football.

Irwin’s Legacy Pt. 5 – Qualifying for Tour, Rookie Season and Marriage

Gary BainesPosted on October 23, 2019

“I graduated from CU in January of 1968. Eddie (Crowder, CU’s football coach) extended my scholarship if I would help coach the freshmen team, which I did. After graduation I sent my application into the PGA of America and turned pro in January right after graduation…

Irwin’s Legacy Pt. 6 – Breakthrough for Victory

Gary BainesPosted on October 23, 2019

Not surprisingly, when Irwin points to the pivotal accomplishments in his career, his first PGA Tour victory, in late 1971 at the Sea Pines Heritage Classic at Hilton Head Island, S.C., is certainly part of the conversation…

Irwin’s Legacy Pt. 7 – U.S. Open: Three of a Kind

Gary BainesPosted on October 31, 2019

Irwin’s three triumphs in the U.S. Open would become hallmarks of his career, demonstrating how he was at his competitive best when conditions were at their toughest.