American · Trenton, Texas, USA · Born 1 August 1914 · Died 1973-11-17American golfer and two-time Purple Heart recipient who won the 1946 U.S. Open, one of the most consistent players of his era with 36 PGA Tour victories.
Born on 1 August 1914 in Trenton, Texas, Lloyd Mangrum turned professional in the 1930s and developed a smooth, unhurried swing and calm demeanour that earned him the nickname 'Mr. Icicle'. His golf career was interrupted by service in the U.S. Army during World War II, where he fought in the Battle of the Bulge and was wounded twice, earning two Purple Hearts. Mangrum returned from the war to win the 1946 U.S. Open, defeating Byron Nelson and Vic Ghezzi in a 36-hole playoff at Canterbury Golf Club — his signature achievement and only major championship victory. He was a model of consistency at Augusta, finishing in the top 10 at the Masters for 10 consecutive years, including a tournament-record 64 in 1940. Mangrum led the PGA Tour money list in 1951 and won the Vardon Trophy for the tour's lowest scoring average in both 1951 and 1953. He finished runner-up in four major championships and third in five more, losing playoffs at both the 1940 and 1950 U.S. Opens, a testament to his remarkable consistency even without matching major success. Of his 36 career PGA Tour victories, 20 came in a dominant four-year span from 1948 to 1951. Mangrum was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame and remains remembered as one of the finest golfers never to fully receive his due, given his brief run of major success amid an otherwise decorated career.
Winning the 1946 U.S. Open after being wounded twice in combat during World War II
How They Played
Smooth, calm and remarkably consistent ball-striker
Lasting Impact
One of the most consistent golfers of his generation and a decorated World War II veteran
American Athletes