Felice Torza

Felice Joseph Torza (March 15, 1920 – December 23, 1983) was an American professional golfer. He played primarily in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s.

Felice Torza
Torza, circa 1953
Personal information
Full name	Felice Joseph Torza
Born	(1920-03-15)March 15, 1920 Naples, Italy
Died	December 23, 1983(1983-12-23) (aged 63)
Sporting nationality	United States
Career
Status	Professional
Former tour	PGA Tour
Professional wins	5
Best results in major championships
Masters Tournament	T29: 1953
PGA Championship	2nd: 1953
U.S. Open	T24: 1952
The Open Championship	DNP

Early life

Torza was born in Naples, Italy, on March 15, 1920.^[1]

Professional career

Like most of the golfers of his generation, he earned his living primarily as a club professional during his regular career years. Torza worked as the head club pro at the Aurora Country Club in Aurora, Illinois for 28 years.^[2][3]

Torza was the runner-up in the 1953 PGA Championship. He was defeated, 2 and 1, in the final by Walter Burkemo, in the match play era.^[4]

Torza was nicknamed Toy Tiger^[5] by his fellow golfers due to his fiercely competitive nature and diminutive stature.

Death

Torza died on December 23, 1983.

Honors and awards

• In 1965, he was inducted into the Connecticut Golf Hall of Fame.^[6]
• In 1968, he was awarded the Illinois PGA Professional of the Year award.^[2]

Professional wins (5)

• 1946 Connecticut Open
• 1947 Rhode Island Open
• 1950 Illinois Open Championship
• 1958 Illinois Open Championship
• 1965 Illinois Match Play Championship