Quick Facts
Biography
John O. Barnum (October 6, 1911 – October 30, 1996) was an American professional golfer who played on the PGA Tour in the 1950s and 1960s.
Barnum is notable for two significant milestones in golf. He was the second golfer (and one of only six) ever to win a PGA Tour event after turning 50, and the only player to win his first PGA Tour event past the age of 50. The other significant milestone is that Barnum was the first player to win a PGA Tour event using a Ping putter. His best finish in a major was T-16 at the 1958 PGA Championship.
Barnum won five Michigan PGA Senior titles and was runner-up three times in the PGA Seniors' Championship (1963, 1964, 1966). He was inducted into the Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame in 1972, and elected to the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame in 1984.
Amateur wins (2)
- 1939 Mexican Amateur
- 1940 Mexican Amateur
Professional wins
PGA Tour wins (1)
| No. | Date | Tournament | Winning score | Margin of victory | Runner(s)-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nov 11, 1962 | Cajun Classic Open Invitational | –14 (68-70-63-69=270) | 6 strokes |  Gay Brewer |
Other wins
- 1950 Michigan Open
- 1957 Michigan PGA Championship
- 1958 Michigan Open, Michigan PGA Championship
- 1960 Michigan Open
- 1961 Michigan Open, Michigan PGA Championship
Senior wins
- Five Michigan PGA Senior Championships