Walter E. (Wally) Burkemo

Walter E. (Wally) Burkemo

Professional Golfer

Walter Burkemo was born in Detroit, Michigan and began playing golf at the age of eight. He won his first tournament in 1938, however, soon after he was drafted into the U.S. Army in World War II earning two Purple Hearts. Burkemo resumed his career after returning from the war and won the first of four Michigan Opens in 1951. In all, he won two PGA tour events including the 1953 PGA Championship along with six other events. Burkemo was a member of the 1953 U.S. Ryder Cup Team. Walter Burkemo was inducted into the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame and inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 1990. He passed away on October 8, 1986 at 67 years of age.