Harvey Penick

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Harvey Morrison Penick (October 23, 1904–April 2, 1995) was a well-known golf pro and instructor.

He began his golf career as a caddy at Austin Country Club at age eight. He became the club's assistant pro five years later, and was promoted to head professional in 1923, a role which he remained in until 1973.

Penick was the Golf Coach at the University of Texas from 1931 - 1963, and coached Tom Kite. In 1989 Penick was honored by the PGA of America as Teacher of the Year. He authored Harvey Penick's Little Red Book, which is the highest selling golf book ever published.

During his final illness, he gave lessons from his deathbed to longtime student Ben Crenshaw. The day after serving as a pallbearer at Penick's funeral, Crenshaw played in The Masters, and wept after sinking the winning putt. In the post-tournament interview, Crenshaw said: "I had a 15th club in my bag," a reference to Penick. (The "15th club" reference is based on the golf rule that limits a player to carrying 14 clubs during a round.) He is considered one of the best golf teachers that ever lived.

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