Hal Underwood — Texas Golf Hall of Fame

Hal Underwood, who grew up in Del Rio, was introduced to the game one summer by his brother-in-law, who worked at a course. The vaccination took and, by the 1960s Underwood was making a statement to the collegiate golfing world as a first-team-All-American, at the University of Houston in 1967 and 1968.

In 1968, Underwood finished second in the NCAA tournament. He placed fifth in 1966 and eighth in 1967 and won the All-American Intercollegiate in both 1967 and 1968. Underwood also won the 1967 Border Olympics, the Morris Williams Tournament, and the 1967 Eastern and Trans-Mississippi events. Underwood left the University of Houston 13 hours shy of a degree and turned professional in 1969. His career as a playing professional was highlighted by winning two events on the Australian Tour (Otago Golf Classic, Queensland Open) in 1977. He also won the Portland Open in 1975 and lost in a playoff to Gary Player in the Jacksonville Open of 1971.

Birthplace: Ballinger, Texas

Born: November 9, 1945