Jim Ferree

Purvis Jennings "Jim" Ferree was an American professional golfer who played on the PGA Tour and the Senior PGA Tour.

Early life and amateur career

In 1931, Ferree was born in Pinebluff, North Carolina. He grew up in Winston-Salem and graduated from Richard J. Reynolds High School. Ferree learned the game of golf from his father, Purvis, long-time pro at Winston-Salem's Old Town Club.
Ferree played college golf at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. Afterwards, Ferree briefly served in the U.S. Army.

Professional career

In 1955, Ferree turned professional. He had one PGA Tour win during his regular career years. He was regarded as one of the very best in the game in the tee-to-green ball-striking phase of the game, but putting was always his weakness. He spent most of his thirties and forties as the director of golf at Long Cove Club in Hilton Head, South Carolina.
Ferree was later a club pro and joined the Senior PGA Tour at age fifty in 1981. He was chosen by PGA Commissioner Deane Beman to be the model for the knickers-wearing player on the Senior Tour's logo. He shares the Georgia-Pacific Grand Champions record for most victories with two other golfers.

Personal life

Ferree lived in Hilton Head, South Carolina with his wife, Karen, also a former champion golfer.
Ferree died on March 14, 2023, at the age of 91.

Awards and honors

In 1991, he became the first golfer inducted into the University of North Carolina's Hall of Fame.
In 1993, Ferree was named the Senior PGA Tour's Comeback Player of the Year.