Herman Keiser, 89; Beat Ben Hogan to Win 1946 Masters

Herman Keiser, 89, who beat golfing legend Ben Hogan by a stroke to win the 1946 Masters tournament, died Wednesday of complications of Alzheimer’s disease at an assisted living facility in suburban Akron, Ohio, his daughter, Diane Parker, announced Thursday.

A native of Springfield, Mo., Keiser moved to northeast Ohio in 1940, becoming an assistant pro at Portage Country Club, and later was the head pro at Firestone Country Club in Akron.

Keiser, who won five PGA tour events, served in the Navy for three years during World War II. The 1946 Master’s was Keiser’s first after leaving military service.

He also played in the 1947 Ryder Cup in Portland, Ore., on a team that was captained by Hogan. While the United States won 11-1 over Britain, Keiser’s 4 and 3 loss to Sam King prevented a clean sweep.