sports

Football Legend Holtz, Avid Golfer, Passes at 89

Football coaching legend Lou Holtz, who was equally passionate about golf, died Wednesday at age 89. Holtz was a single-digit handicapper who won the member-member at Augusta National in 2005.

Lou Holtz, best known as a successful football coach at multiple collegiate programs including Notre Dame, had a deep love for golf that began accidentally in 1962 when William & Mary made him golf coach to supplement his salary. Despite initially not knowing how to keep score, Holtz developed into a skilled golfer, hosting a SiriusXM radio show called "Holtz in One" and becoming a member at prestigious clubs including Augusta National.

Holtz cherished his 2005 member-member victory at Augusta National, calling it his "greatest accomplishment" as it earned him a place on the club's plaque. He formed friendships with golfers like Lee Trevino and famously recalled how Jack Nicklaus replaced him on the cover of Sports Illustrated after Nicklaus' historic 1986 Masters win.