Hal Sutton says he is still alive after magazine wrongly prints obituary

It’s mid-March but we’ve already got a contender for ‘Most Bizarre Golf Story of the Year’.

Hal Sutton has taken to social media to confirm that he is still alive after a magazine wrongly included him amongst its obituaries.

The former US PGA winner and two-time PLAYERS champion made the correction on X (formerly Twitter) earlier today.

“Just a correction, the PGA magazine put me in there [sic] obituaries as having passed away January 19th,” wrote the 2004 US Ryder Cup captain.

“I didn’t and I’m alive and well. Just putting the finishing touches on Darmor Club before our opening June 1. Thanks to all who have checked up on me.”

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January 19 this year, as Sutton himself pointed out in a reply to follower, was actually the day that Jack Burke Jnr passed away.

As you might reasonably expect, the 65-year-old’s replies lit up almost as soon as he his ‘send’ on his tweet.

Sutton’s fellow former PGA Tour player Mark Lye replied: “Damn Hal!!! Who the heck is responsible for that???”

“I don’t know but it was a reminder to be grateful for life,” replied Sutton. “A lot of people checked on me so I was thankful for that.”

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Another former PGA Tour pro John Maginnes responded to Sutton’s post, saying: “I missed that report thank goodness… Glad you’re doing well.”

Other users joined in the incredulity over the error, one saying: “Thank God! You were my idol in the 80’s!”

“The reports of your demise have been greatly exaggerated!” added another.

A third replied: “Glad you are doing well. Know you are having fun with your design and building golf course.”

So, there you have it. A crazy year just keeps getting crazier.

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor