The Record Holder for the Worst Round at The Masters
Occasionally, a topic arises: Who is known for the worst round at The Masters?
The answer is Charles Kunkle, Jr., who scored a 95 on the final day in 1956.
More Than Just a Record
Typically, this piece of sports trivia ends there. However, I discovered more about Kunkle, affectionately called Kunk by his friends and family. He was a basketball player and captain at Duke University, served as president of the Johnstown Jets hockey team—later the inspiration for the film “Slap Shot”—and he served on an aircraft carrier in the South Pacific during World War II. Afterward, he raised a family and qualified for The Masters in 1956 by reaching the quarterfinals of the U.S. Amateur.
Kunkle’s Reflections
The significance of Kunkle’s Masters participation came to light when he was quoted in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in 2005. His record was revisited after Billy Casper shot a 106 at age 73, but since Casper didn’t turn in his scorecard, Kunkle’s record remained intact. Gerry Dulac, a columnist for the Post-Gazette, contacted Kunkle, who was then 91, regarding his infamous record. Kunkle responded, “The record, that’s not important to me. I earned my way there,” and “I was disappointed in my round. But I wasn’t embarrassed.”
Gaining Greater Insight
Curious about Kunkle, I reached out to his granddaughter, Lindsay, who arranged a video call with her brother Kyle and their father Kim, Kunkle’s son. Kim recounted that his father only began playing golf after college, ultimately opening a driving range. In 1956, at the age of 42 while employed by Bethlehem Steel, he qualified for The Masters. Upon arriving in Augusta, bad weather had limited his practice to just nine holes, and he even experienced a fender bender on Magnolia Lane due to nerves.
A Memorable Experience
Kunkle faced challenges with the speed of the greens during the tournament, recording scores of 79, 82, 85, and then a notorious 95 on the final day due to strong winds, finishing last. Nevertheless, Kim highlighted that Kunkle was proud of the experience, stating, “Even though he finished last, that never bothered him.”
Life Lessons and Legacy
As the conversation with Kyle and Lindsay progressed, I saw why Kunkle’s words resonated with me. He consistently offered unwavering support and encouragement, sharing life lessons at family gatherings and famously quoting Jimmy Valvano’s ESPY speech: “Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.” This mantra has remained with his family, as evidenced by the bracelets displaying those words worn by Lindsay, Kyle, and Kim.
A Philosophy of Pride in Effort
Kyle shared how Kunkle’s encouragement impacted him during high school track races, reminding him to “Don’t give up.” This simple guidance inspired him to finish strong in what he described as a grueling race. Kunkle’s focus was always on doing your best, rather than winning or losing. As Lindsay articulated, he encouraged living your best within individual capabilities. This philosophy, encapsulated in his humble quotes, emphasized pride in one’s best effort, regardless of outcomes. Kunkle remained proud of his final round of 95 until his passing at 99 in 2013, demonstrating that there is beauty in embracing one’s journey and effort.
