May 13, 2006; Sandestin, FL, USA; Jim Colbert tees off on the 14th hole of the Raven course during the second round of the Boeing Championships at Sandestin. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst Copyright © 2006 Jason Parkhurst
Jim Colbert, a celebrated eight-time winner on the PGA Tour and a 35-time professional victor overall, died on Sunday at the age of 85.
Between 1969 and 1983, Colbert captured eight PGA Tour titles, including two playoff victories (going 2-0 in those situations). One of those came in 1983—his most successful calendar year, and the only season he won multiple tournaments—when he defeated Fuzzy Zoeller at the Colonial National Invitation.
Always recognizable in his signature bucket hat, Colbert made an even bigger impact on the senior circuit. He earned 20 senior PGA Tour wins over a 10-year span from 1991 to 2001. Embracing that trademark look, he once explained, “Lee Trevino has the sombrero. Jack Nicklaus has the bear. I have my hat.” He found that people didn’t recognize him without it.
Born in New Jersey, Colbert played golf and football before earning a football scholarship to Kansas State University. After an injury, he refocused on golf, finishing as runner-up at the 1964 NCAA Championship. He turned professional soon after.
Following his PGA Tour career, Colbert worked as a golf analyst for ESPN before returning to competition on the PGA Tour Champions circuit. He found immediate success, winning three times in 1991 and earning Rookie of the Year honors.
Colbert publicly battled prostate cancer in the late 1990s, but rebounded to win another tournament in 1998, earning Comeback Player of the Year recognition.
His lasting connection with his alma mater led to a friendship with longtime Kansas State football coach Bill Snyder and the creation of a golf course named in his honor: Colbert Hills in Manhattan, Kansas. Snyder recalled, “Jim had a positive influence on many, many lives. He never failed to step up to help when he was in a position to help his community and people in need.”
Colbert has been enshrined in the Kansas State Athletic Hall of Fame, the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame, and the Las Vegas Golf Hall of Fame, among other honors.
