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Doug Sanders, 'Blessed to Have the Career I Had,' Dies at 86

DOUG SANDERS MIGHT BE IN the World Golf Hall of Fame had he made that 30-inch par putt to win the 1970 British Open at the Old Course in St. Andrews. Instead, Sanders lost to Jack Nicklaus the following day in an 18-hole playoff when the Golden Bear sank a birdie putt on the final hole.

Sanders died a week ago. He was 86.

Known for his colorful attire and lifestyle, it's easy to overlook Sanders' body of work over a long career. He won 20 times on the PGA Tour from 1956 to 1972. Those victories included the Canadian Open (as an amateur), the Colonial, Western Open, Doral and the Bob Hope.