Golf world mourns death of PGA Tour great Jim Colbert

Jim Colbert, the popular American golfer who claimed 28 victories across the PGA Tour and PGA Tour Champions, has died at the age of 85.

A respected figure throughout professional golf for more than four decades, Colbert earned admiration not only for his success on the course, but also for his resilience, honesty and unmistakable personality. 

Best known for the bucket hat that became his trademark, Colbert leaves behind a lasting legacy as one of the game’s most enduring competitors.

Born in New Jersey, Colbert originally pursued football and earned a scholarship to Kansas State University.

However, after injury ended his hopes in the sport, he turned his focus fully to golf — a decision that would shape the rest of his life. 

He quickly showed his talent by finishing runner-up at the 1964 NCAA Championship before turning professional two years later.

Colbert’s rise on the PGA Tour was built on persistence rather than instant success. 

He earned less than $2,000 during his rookie season in 1966, but steadily improved before securing his first PGA Tour title at the 1969 Monsanto Open in Florida. 

Seven more PGA Tour victories followed, including a memorable two-win campaign in 1983 at the Colonial National (now the Charles Schwab Challenge) and Texas Open. 

He notched four top-10 finishes in the majors, with his best results a tie for third at the 1971 U.S. Open and tie for fourth at the 1974 Masters. 

His greatest run of success arguably came after turning 50. Colbert thrived on the PGA Tour Champions, winning 20 times and becoming one of only a select group of players to reach that milestone. 

Colbert made an immediate impact on the senior circuit in 1991, collecting three victories and earning Rookie of the Year honours.

Away from competition, the eight-time PGA Tour winner also became a familiar voice to golf fans through his work as an analyst with ESPN, where his candid and straightforward style made him a popular figure with viewers.

Colbert’s career was also marked by remarkable resilience. 

After suffering severe sunstroke at a tournament in the 1950s, he adopted the bucket hat that would become synonymous with him throughout the game. 

Years later, he successfully battled prostate cancer following a diagnosis in 1996 and returned to winning form by 1998, earning Comeback Player of the Year recognition.

Across both the PGA Tour and PGA Tour Champions, Colbert made an extraordinary 1,091 starts — a reflection of both his longevity and love for the game.

Tributes have been pouring in from across the golf world for a player remembered not only for his achievements, but for the warmth, toughness and authenticity he brought to the sport.

RIP Jim Colbert