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ent001477-033
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    University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Libraries

    CITY OF HOPE Public Relations Dept, 208 W. Eighth St. Los Angeles, Calif. 90014 (213) 626-4611 (Suggested Column Material) (Hank Brown) Dr. Cary Middlecoff, who turned golf professional in 1947* and whose sweet swing became the envy of all, will be among the all-time greats of sports to be honored at the Sportsmen?╟╓s World Awards presentations June 27, at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas. The presentation banquet and awards ceremony, at which outstanding competitors of the past will be presented with the "Victors" ?╟÷ Trophy of the Immortals -- is sponsored by the Sportsmen?╟╓s Club for the City of Hope Medical Center. The sports heroes of an earlier era were chosen by a National Selections Committee of ranking sportswriters and sportscasters across the country. Middlecoff belongs on the list of golfdom's history makers if only for his long and distinguished links career. As a giant in an age of giants, Middlecoff was twice National Open Champion, in 1949 and 1956, runner-up in 1957 1 and Masters Tournament Champion in 1955. He was what truly may be called a golf prodigy, turning in a prodigious round of 77 at the age of 12 to beat his father, champion at the Chickasaw Golf Club in Memphis. Meticulous Middlecoff won the Tennessee High School Golf Champion- ship in 1937, then captured the Tennessee Amateur four straight years. He served as a dentist in the Army Dental Corps in World War II, later doing some dental work in his father?╟╓s dental office in Memphis, but early in 1947, turned pro and joined the PGA tour. His first victory came within weeks, at the Charlotte (N.C.) Open, and he?╟╓s been going great guns ever since. Until Arnold Palmer passed him in 1962, Middlecoff led the modern era official money winners compiled since 1947. Surprisingly enough, he has never been leading money winner during any one year, though he was second on the PGA's official money list four times. Among his other distinguished links achievements, the drivin?╟╓ dentist has a Tam O'Shanter Open, Colonial National Invitation, and Western Open Championships to his credit. As a "Victor" Award honoree, Middlecoff will join more than fifty distinguished Hall of Fame athletes of past decades who have been similarly honored since 1967. Golfers previously named include Lloyd Mangrum, Ralph Guldahl, and Gene Sarazen. Proceeds from the Sportsmen's World Awards will go to further the battle against catastrophic disease by the free, nonsectarian City of Hope. The presentations ceremonies will be televised nationally by Hughes Sports Network. Trans World Airlines has been designated official carrier for the event. JULJL If If It (670sj)