This Day in Golf--Dec. 5

One of golf's boldest and most fiery competitors was born on this date in 1949. Lanny Wadkins was a quick-paced, take-dead-aim type player who won the 1977 PGA in a playoff with Gene Littler, the 1979 Players Championship, 19 other PGA Tour titles, and the 1970 U.S. Amateur. He also memorably struck a gutsy wedge shot in his singles match in the 1983 Ryder Cup that helped ensure a team victory. In recent years Wadkins has been a commentator on Golf Channel.