Douglas Michael Ford, Sr. (born Fortunato; August 6, 1922 – May 14, 2018) was an American professional golfer who rose to prominence in the 1950s and 1960s. He is best known as a two-time major champion, a Ryder Cup team member, and a long-standing figure in mid‑century American golf. Ford combined steady ball striking with competitive consistency, earning him recognition among his peers and later induction into several halls of fame.

Career highlights

Ford's most notable victories came in the majors: he captured the 1955 PGA Championship and won the Masters Tournament in 1957. His success in the mid-1950s also led to him being named PGA Player of the Year for the 1955 season. Over the course of his playing career he recorded numerous top finishes and was widely regarded as one of the leading American professionals of his era.

Team play and international competition

Ford represented the United States on four editions of the Ryder Cup team (1955, 1957, 1959 and 1961). His participation in those matches reflected both his standing in American golf and the era's emphasis on national team competition. Ryder Cup play was a recurring highlight of his career and contributed to his public profile.

Recognition and legacy

Later in life Ford received formal recognition for his contributions to the sport. He was inducted into the Connecticut Golf Hall of Fame in 1972 and the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame in 1992. In 2010 he was elected to the World Golf Hall of Fame and was officially inducted in 2011, affirming his place in golf history. These honors reflect both his major victories and his broader influence on the professional game.

Style, reputation and later years

Contemporaries remembered Ford as a competitive and reliable player who could perform under pressure. He remained involved with golf through alumni events and public appearances after his peak touring years. Ford died on May 14, 2018, at the age of 95, leaving behind a legacy as a prominent mid‑century champion and team competitor.

Notable facts

  • Two major titles: 1955 PGA Championship and the 1957 Masters.
  • Named PGA Player of the Year for 1955.
  • Four Ryder Cup appearances (1955, 1957, 1959, 1961).
  • Inducted into multiple halls of fame, including the World Golf Hall of Fame (elected 2010, inducted 2011).
  • For more on his tournament record and career overview see further career details.

Ford's career illustrates the trajectory of a successful postwar American professional golfer: strong domestic performance, meaningful international team contributions, and later recognition by sport institutions. For further historical context on the tournaments and team competitions mentioned, consult contemporary records and dedicated golf histories at professional resources and specialty archives covering major championships.