WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Golfer Bob Charles has been awarded New Zealand’s highest civil honor.
The 74-year-old Charles was admitted to the Order of New Zealand, an honor restricted to 20 living New Zealanders.
Charles was the first left-hander to win one of golf’s major tournaments. He captured the 1963 British Open after a 36-hole playoff with Phil Rodgers. Charles finished his career with 66 victories and was a six-time winner on the U.S. PGA Tour.
He was knighted for services to golf in 1999 and has been inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.
