Quick Facts
Biography
James L. Wiechers (born August 7, 1944) is an American professional golfer who played on the PGA Tour in the 1960s and 1970s.
Wiechers was born in Oakland, California. He won the 1962 U.S. Junior Amateur while in high school. He then attended Santa Clara University and was a member of the golf team, winning first-team All-American honors in 1965. He collected many honors during his amateur career including Golf Digest's Number One U.S. Amateur award in 1966. Wiechers turned professional and joined the PGA Tour in 1966.
Wiechers played on the PGA Tour from 1966 to 1979. His best years were in the late 1960s through the mid-1970s when he finished on the top-60 money list five times. He won one PGA Tour event during his career: the 1969 West End Classic.
After leaving the tour, Wiechers first began working in California's Napa Valley wine industry in the 1980s. Then he returned to golf in the 1990s, first as head instructor at McCaffrey's Golf School in San Francisco, then as a teaching pro at Chardonnay Golf Club for 19 years, and finally at Eagle Vines Golf Club. He also coaches the men's and women's golf teams at Napa Valley College.
Amateur wins
- 1962 U.S. Junior Amateur
- 1964 Western Junior
- 1966 Western Amateur, Trans-Mississippi Amateur
PGA Tour wins
| No. | Date | Tournament | Winning score | Margin of victory | Runners-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dec 7, 1969 | West End Classic | −11 (70-68-69-70=277) | 2 strokes |  Al Besselink, Johnny Pott |
PGA Tour playoff record (0–1)
| No. | Year | Tournament | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1969 | Robinson Open Golf Classic | Bob Goalby | Lost to birdie on first extra hole |