Ted Kroll was born on this day in 1919, in New Hartford, New York. An American professional golfer who served in the United States Army during World War II and earned three Purple Hearts after being wounded four times.
Shortly after the war, he took a job as assistant professional at Philmont Country Club in Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania. He began a 34 year PGA Tour career in 1949. He won eight times on the tour, including three wins in 1956, when he topped the money list with earnings of $72,836. That same year he lost the final of the PGA Championship to Jack Burke, Jr., 3 and 2.
In 1954, Kroll became the third player in PGA Tour history to shoot a 60, joining Al Brosch (1951) and Bill Nary (1952). He had nines of 30-30 at Brackenridge Park Golf Course during the third round of the Texas Open. His 11-under score vaulted him into a tie for sixth going into the final round, where he shot a 2-under 69 over his final 18 holes to tie for ninth.
Kroll played on three Ryder Cup teams: 1953, 1955, and 1957, compiling a 3-1 record.
Kroll was married for over 50 years and had four daughters. In his later years he suffered from Parkinson’s disease. He died in Boca Raton, Florida and is buried in Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida.