Paul Scott Runyan (1908 - 2002)

Born 12 Jul 1908 in Hot Springs, Garland, Arkansas, United States

Husband of Joan (Harris) Runyan — married 22 Mar 1931 (to Nov 1981) in Pulaski, Arkansas, United States

Died 17 Mar 2002 at age 93 in Palm Springs, Riverside, California, United States

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Biography

Paul Runyan is Notable.

Paul Scott Runyan stands out as a notable figure due to his exceptional contributions to the world of golf. Renowned for his mastery of the short game, he earned the affectionate moniker "Little Poison" for consistently outperforming opponents with his remarkable putting and chipping techniques. His legacy extends beyond his playing prowess; he pioneered innovative teaching methods that have influenced generations of golfers. His induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame, his numerous championships, and his role in revolutionizing golf instruction solidify his status as a significant and enduring presence in the sport.^[1][2]

Paul Scott Runyan, renowned as one of the most remarkable figures in the world of golf, was born on July 12, 1908, in Hot Springs, Garland County, Arkansas. He was the offspring of Walter Scott Runyan and Mamie Jane Dickson, a lineage that would shape his journey to greatness.^[3][4]

Growing up on Baker Street in Hot Springs, young Paul's life was colored by the verdant landscapes of the Majestic Hotel and Hot Springs Country Club, where his father toiled as a farmer and worked at the hotel. Paul's affinity for golf blossomed in this picturesque environment, and by the age of thirteen, he was already finding his way onto the golf course. His afternoons were spent caddying and assisting players, cultivating a passion that would soon become his life's work.^[1][5][6]

Even his daily routine echoed his devotion to the sport. On his way to school, he would play four holes, and on the way home, an additional five holes. His commitment didn't go unnoticed, and by the tender age of seventeen, he transitioned from being a caddy to a professional golfer, pitting his skills against his mentors and heroes alike.^[1]

In 1921, Paul's aspirations led him away from his Arkansas home to become an assistant to Craig Wood at the Forest Hills Golf Course in White Plains, New York. This move marked the beginning of his extraordinary journey through the golfing world.^[1]

Between 1930 and 1941, Paul Runyan's star shone brightly on the PGA Tour. His trophy cabinet bore witness to twenty-nine victories, and he stood on the podium as a runner-up or in third place a staggering forty-two times. The Ryder Cup Team embraced him in 1933 and 1935, and in 1934, he led the tour in earnings with a formidable $6,767.^[1][7][8]

His personal life intertwined with his career when he married Joan Harris on March 21, 1931, in Pulaski County, Arkansas. Their partnership provided him with unwavering support and a platform from which to further excel.^[9][10]

Paul's mastery of the short game became his trademark. He showcased this brilliance in the inaugural Masters in 1934, securing a tie for third place just two strokes behind Horton Smith. Despite his slight stature compared to his peers, Runyan's short game prowess earned him the affectionate moniker "Little Poison," as he consistently outperformed his competition.^[1][2][11]

Perhaps his most remarkable triumph was the 1938 PGA Championship, where he routed the powerful Sam Snead 8 and 7 in a 36-hole final, despite Snead's significant yardage advantage. This victory solidified Runyan's reputation as a short game virtuoso.^[1][2][11]

His influence extended beyond his playing days. In the realm of golf instruction, Paul was a visionary. His innovative putting and chipping techniques became global standards, and he imparted his wisdom to generations of golfers. One of his most notable students was legendary teacher Phil Rodgers, who employed Runyan's teachings to revamp the short game of none other than Jack Nicklaus.^{[1][2][11][12]}

Paul Runyan's influence was recognized with his induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1990. He further solidified his legacy as the first unanimous choice for the Arkansas Golf Hall of Fame in 1994. His accomplishments were celebrated through the Harvey Penick Lifetime Teaching Award and the PGA of America Distinguished Service Award.^[1][2]

After the passing of his first wife Joan, Paul found love again and married Berniece Harbers in 1983.^[1][13] His final years were spent in Palm Desert, Riverside County, California.^[14] Tragically, he succumbed to pneumonia on March 17, 2002, in Palm Springs, leaving behind an indelible mark on the sport he loved.^[14][15]

Paul Scott Runyan's life was an extraordinary narrative of dedication, skill, and innovation. As a player, instructor, and personality in the golfing world, he left a legacy that continues to inspire generations of golf enthusiasts worldwide.

Sources

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9} Fox, Jay N., Arkansas State Golf Association, Encylopedia of Arkansas, last updated on 16 Jun 2023. "Paul Runyan (1908–2002)." Accessed 15 Aug 2023.
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4} Wikipedia Contributors. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, last edited on 6 Nov 2022. "Wikipedia:Paul_Runyan." Accessed 15 Aug 2023.
3. ↑ Arkansas, Birth Certificates, 1914-1922: Arkansas Department of Vital Records; Little Rock, Arkansas; Birth Certificates; Year: 1908 Ancestry Record 61774 #644616
4. ↑ U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007: Ancestry.com. U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2015. Original data: Social Security Applications and Claims, 1936-2007. Ancestry Record 60901 #26609689
5. ↑ 1910 United States Federal Census: Year: 1910; Census Place: Hot Springs Ward 4, Garland, Arkansas; Roll: T624_50; Page: 9a; Enumeration District: 0065; FHL microfilm: 1374063 Ancestry Record 7884 #194313885
6. ↑ 1920 United States Federal Census: Year: 1920; Census Place: Hot Springs, Garland, Arkansas; Roll: T625_63; Page: 8B; Enumeration District: 72 Ancestry Record 6061 #38429292
7. ↑ 1940 United States Federal Census: Year: 1940; Census Place: Yonkers, Westchester, New York; Roll: m-t0627-02867; Page: 12B; Enumeration District: 68-118 Ancestry Record 2442 #7000958
8. ↑ U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947: National Archives at St. Louis; St. Louis, Missouri; Wwii Draft Registration Cards For New York State, 10/16/1940 - 03/31/1947; Record Group: Records of the Selective Service System, 147 Ancestry Record 2238 #302628552
9. ↑ Pulaski County, Arkansas, Marriages 1838-1999: Pulaski County Clerk; Little Rock, Arkansas; Marriage Records Ancestry Record 61797 #144884
10. ↑ Newspaper Clipping, The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, 22 Mar 1931, Sun. - Page 11. "Paul Runyan, Golf Pro, Weds Little Rock Girl." Accessed 15 Aug 2023.
11. ↑ ^{11.0 11.1 11.2} Newspaper Clipping, The Boston Globe, Boston, Massachusetts, 18 Mar 2002, Mon. - Page 40. "Paul Runayan 93, hall of fame golfer." Accessed 15 Aug 2023.
12. ↑ 1950 United States Federal Census: National Archives at Washington, DC; Washington, D.C.; Seventeenth Census of the United States, 1950; Year: 1950; Census Place: Pasadena, Los Angeles, California; Roll: 5509; Page: 11; Enumeration District: 68-121 Ancestry Record 62308 #263766371
13. ↑ California, U.S., Marriage Index, 1960-1985: Ancestry.com. California, U.S., Marriage Index, 1960-1985 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2007. Original data: State of California. California Marriage Index, 1960-1985. Microfiche. Center for Health Statistics, California Department of Health Services, Sacramento, California. Ancestry Record 1144 #516456
14. ↑ ^{14.0 14.1} U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014: Social Security Administration; Washington D.C., USA; Social Security Death Index, Master File Ancestry Record 3693 #53874338
15. ↑ Burial: Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/40502711/paul-scott-runyan: accessed 15 August 2023), memorial page for Paul Scott -Little Poison- Runyan (12 Jul 1908–17 Mar 2002), Find a Grave Memorial ID 40502711; Burial Details Unknown; Maintained by Douglas Kirk Sorensen (contributor 46956932).

See Also

• Wikidata: Item Q6083829