Overview

Sir Robert James Charles (born 14 March 1936 in Carterton) is a New Zealand professional golfer whose career has spanned more than five decades. He is widely recognised as one of the most accomplished left‑handed players in the history of the sport. Charles combined steady ball‑striking with a highly regarded short game and putting ability, and he remained competitive on international tours well into his senior years.

Career highlights

Charles's best known achievement is winning the 1963 Open Championship, making him the first left‑handed golfer to capture a major title. That victory established his reputation on the global stage and remains a defining moment in his career. Over many years he accumulated more than 70 professional tournament wins across various national and international circuits, and he also recorded numerous top finishes on major tours.

Beyond his early successes, Charles enjoyed a lengthy presence on senior circuits and exhibition events. He continued to compete at a high level in later life, achieving a rare feat by "beating his age"—scoring lower than his years—on multiple occasions, including twice during a tournament when he was 71.

Playing style and characteristics

Left‑handed from a generation when left‑handed clubs were less common, Charles became noted for a graceful, economical swing and excellent putting. Observers have frequently praised his touch around the greens, course management, and ability to remain calm under pressure. These traits helped him adapt to different courses and competitive conditions and contributed to his longevity in the game.

Honours and recognition

In recognition of his contributions to golf and to New Zealand sport, Charles has received several national honours. He was knighted in the New Year Honours of 1999, receiving a knighthood for services to golf. Later he was appointed to New Zealand's highest civilian order in the 2011 New Year Honours, acknowledging his long‑standing achievements and influence in the country. His career and conduct have made him an enduring ambassador for golf in New Zealand and abroad.

Notable facts and legacy

  • First left‑handed winner of a major championship, a milestone often cited in histories of the game and left‑handed athletes.
  • Winner of more than 70 professional tournaments across a range of events and countries, demonstrating versatility and consistency.
  • Maintained competitive play into his seventies and recorded instances of "beating his age," a rare accomplishment among professional golfers.
  • Celebrated figure in New Zealand sport who has influenced later generations of players and been the subject of profiles about longevity and technique in golf.

For fuller details on his major victory and tournament record see broader reference entries on the 1963 Open Championship and historical accounts of left‑handed golfers in the professional game. Additional resources and tournament archives provide match‑by‑match information and timelines of his career progressions. Major championship histories often highlight his 1963 triumph as a turning point for the visibility of left‑handed players.