Topic: Orville Moody

Orville James Moody (December 9, 1933 – August 8, 2008) was an American professional golfer who won numerous tournaments in his career. He won the 1969 U.S. Open, the last champion in the 20th century to win through sectional qualifying.

Moody was born in Chickasha, Oklahoma. The son of a golf course superintendent, he began his career at Capitol Hill High School in Oklahoma City, winning the 1952 state high school golf championship. After attempting college for a few weeks at the University of Oklahoma, Moody joined the U.S. Army. He was able to continue playing golf while in uniform, winning the All-Service championship and three Korean Opens. He spent 14 years in the Army, heading up maintenance supervision and instruction at all Army golf courses.

Moody gave up his military career in favor of a trial run at the PGA Tour in 1967. After a few months on the tour, the decision to give up the Army proved none too difficult. He had been making $5,000 per year in the military; his earnings the first year on the tour totaled almost $300,000. His nickname on the Tour was "Sarge" because he rose to the rank of sergeant in the Army.