Bill Rogers — Texas Golf Hall of Fame

As a military brat, Bill Rogers lived in Germany, North Africa and Alabama, which is where he first began to play golf. By the age of 13, Bill was playing competitively. He credits the family’s moves to Texarkana and the relationship he formed with Northridge CC pro Jerry Robinson for his progress as a junior player.

Rogers earned a scholarship at the University of Houston, where he roomed with fellow Texas Golf Hall of Famer Bruce Lietzke. Nicknamed “Panther” because he seemed like a caged cat, pacing back and forth while waiting to hit his next shot, Rogers won the 1972 Southern Amateur and the 1973 All-American Intercollegiate Invitational. Bill was an All-American in 1973 and earned his Tour card in 1974.

Between 1975 and 1983, Rogers won five PGA Tour events. In addition, Rogers put his name among the immortals by winning the 1981 British Open. He capped off the season as a winning member of the 1981 Ryder Cup team, and 10 years later, he guided the Ryder Cup team to victory as an assistant coach.

Rogers enhanced his reputation as an international player by capturing the Suntory Open in Japan, the New South Wales Open and the Australian Open. Bill had enjoyed precious success overseas, winning the 1977 Pacific Masters tournament and the 1980 Suntory Open.

In the late 1980s Bill moved to San Antonio and by the end of the 1990 Tour year, he became head pro at San Antonio Country Club. After a stint in the ownership at Briggs Ranch Golf Club, Bill occasionally played on the Champions Tour and has coached for the University of Texas San Antonio golf team.

Rogers was a board member of Golf San Antonio and the Director of Golf at San Antonio Country Club from 1990-2000. He also brought the American Junior Golf Association to San Antonio. Rogers was inducted into Houston Cougars Hall of Fame in 1987 and San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame in 2004.

Birthplace: Waco, Texas

Born: September 10, 1951