“PRO” File – Touring Professional Robert Landers

He’s long been forgotten by the modern era of golf, but there was a time when Robert Landers was the toast of the golf world. A former department store manager and a farmer, he improbably qualified for what is now known as PGA Tour Champions back in 1994. Using a bag of clubs that were little more than homemade items and wearing muddy Reebok sneakers, Landers surprised virtually everyone when he landed one of the fully-exempt spots for the 1995 season.

He came to the game late at the age of 22, but he quickly showed an acumen for it, qualifying for the 1980 U.S. Open and U.S. Amateur. He competed in local events and practiced on his farm among the cows. When it came time to ante up the qualifying fee, he cashed in a retirement account and was on his way.

He played for two years on the senior circuit with a best finish of 14th place at an event in 1996. Today he lives in Azle, Texas, on his farm with his wife Freddie.