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Gene Littler, Golfer With a Gorgeous Swing, Dies at 88

Associated Press

Gene Littler, a quietly outstanding golfer who was known as Gene the Machine for an uncommonly smooth and consistent swing that propelled him to the 1961 United States Open championship, died Friday in San Diego. He was 88.

Littler’s death was announced by the PGA Tour. His son, Curt, told The San Diego Union-Tribune that he had neuropathy in his legs and had had several falls. In 1972, Littler had surmounted surgery for lymph cancer that had seemingly ended his career.

In his prime, though self-taught, he had “a perfect swing,” said Gene Sarazen, a winner of seven major championships.