description Bob Charles Overview
Sir Bob Charles is a New Zealand professional golfer whose career included victories in regular and senior competition. He won the 1963 Open Championship at Royal Lytham and St Annes, becoming the first left-handed golfer and the first New Zealander to win a men's major championship. His success established an important precedent for left-handed players in elite professional golf.
help Bob Charles FAQ
Why is Bob Charles remembered for the 1963 Open Championship?
Charles won The Open at Royal Lytham and St Annes in 1963, becoming the first left-handed golfer to win a men's major. He defeated Phil Rodgers by eight strokes in a 36-hole playoff. ([The Open](https://www.theopen.com/players/sir-bob-charles))
Why did Bob Charles play golf left-handed?
Charles was otherwise right-handed, but his parents played left-handed and he began with their spare clubs. That unusual start helped produce the first left-handed winner of a men's major. ([The Open](https://www.theopen.com/players/sir-bob-charles))
Is Bob Charles the only New Zealander to win The Open?
Yes, The Open identifies Charles as the only New Zealander to win the Claret Jug. His 1963 victory remains the defining achievement of his career. ([The Open](https://www.theopen.com/players/sir-bob-charles))
What did Bob Charles win after turning 50?
He continued competing successfully and won the Senior Open Championship twice. One of those victories came at Royal Lytham in 1993, 30 years after his Open win there. ([The Open](https://www.theopen.com/players/sir-bob-charles))
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