Induction Year
Joe Brown
Des Moines, IA
Year Inducted: 1990
Category: Professional Golfer
Joe Brown was one of the most successful playing club professionals of his time. In fact his 13 major titles, tie him with Tom Chapman Jr. for the second most major championships in Iowa. His playing career included winning 5 Iowa Open titles between 1938 and 1966. Besides his success at the Iowa Open, Mr. Brown continued his winning ways at the Iowa Masters, the Herman Sani Invitational, and the Waterloo Open. Mr. Brown won a total of 4 Iowa Masters titles, the Herman Sani Invitational 4 times, and was the Waterloo Open champion 3 times.
Joe’s career also led him to a short stint on the PGA Tour including 3 U.S. Open appearances and 4 PGA Championship appearances. His best finish on the Tour was a fourth place tie at the 1956 Bing Crosby National Pro-Am, earning him a whopping $500. Besides his successful playing career, he was a widely respected teacher throughout the state while working at Des Moines Golf and Country Club for 37 years.
Career Highlights
13 Iowa Major Titles
1938, '48, '54, '65, '66 Iowa Open Champion
1942, ’49, ’55, ‘56 Iowa Masters Champion
1941,’42, ‘60 Waterloo Open Champion
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