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Ernie Gonzalez, Former PGA Tour Golfer, Dies at Age 59 from Alzheimer's Disease

Julio Cortez/Associated Press

Former PGA Tour golfer Ernie Gonzalez died at the age of 59 due to complications related to Alzheimer's disease.

The PGA Tour released the news on Gonzalez, who turned professional in 1983. He joined the tour two years later.

Gonzalez's golfing claim to fame is his win at the 1986 Pensacola Open, making him the third-ever left-handed golfer to win a PGA Tour event. Per the Associated Press, he made five birdies and an eagle on the final nine holes to card an eight-under 63.

He shot a 14-under 128 in 36 holes during the rain-shortened tournament.