He arrived like a storm and stayed like sunlight. That first shock victory, slipping into the green jacket as a wide-eyed newcomer, rewrote what was possible for a debutant on golf’s grandest stage. Years later, when he captured another major in a nerve-wracking playoff, the world saw not just a clutch competitor but a man utterly at ease in chaos, joking with his caddie while history hung in the balance.

Away from the trophies, his legacy deepened. He walked fairways as if every fan mattered, lingering for autographs, remembering names, kneeling to talk eye-to-eye with children clutching fresh flags and fading dreams. His daring style, his warmth, and his generosity shaped how a generation understood the game. In retirement, he gave back as a mentor and commentator, turning wisdom into a gift. He is gone, but the sport still echoes with his laughter and courage.