Olin Dutra (July 25 1901 – July 22 1983) was an American professional golfer who achieved prominence in the 1920s and 1930s. He is best known for winning two major championships: the PGA Championship in 1932 and the U.S. Open in 1934.
Early life and amateur career
Dutra was born in San Francisco, California. He left formal education at a young age to work as a caddie, developing his golf skills on local courses. By the early 1920s he was competing as an amateur, but turned professional in 1925.
Professional career
During his career Dutra accumulated approximately 30 professional victories, including his two major titles.
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PGA Championship (1932): Dutra secured the PGA Championship by defeating Jim Turnesa in the final match. His victory marked the first major win for a player who had previously been largely unknown on the national circuit.
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U.S. Open (1934): At Merion Golf Club, Dutra posted a total score of 283 (even par), winning the championship by two strokes. The triumph was noted for his steady play under challenging conditions.
In addition to his major wins, Dutra captured several regional tournaments, such as the Pacific Northwest Open and the California State Open. He was recognized for a powerful, accurate driving ability despite his relatively modest stature.
Later life and legacy
After retiring from competitive play, Dutra remained involved in golf as a club professional and mentor to younger players. He was inducted into the PGA Hall of Fame in 1962 in recognition of his contributions to the sport.
Dutra died on July 22 1983 in San Jose, California, at the age of 81. His career is remembered for the breakthrough victories that helped broaden the competitive landscape of American golf in the early twentieth century.