PGA Tour legend Jim Colbert, known for his unbeatable grit and iconic bucket hat, has passed away at 85, leaving a void in the sport that embodied American perseverance.
Colbert’s Remarkable Journey from Football to Golf Stardom
Born March 9, 1941, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Jim Colbert attended Kansas State University on a football scholarship. An injury shifted him to golf, launching a transformative career. From 1969 to 1983, he competed on the PGA Tour, securing 8 victories including two in 1983 and a playoff win over Fuzzy Zoeller at the Colonial National Invitation. His perfect 2-0 playoff record highlighted clutch performance under pressure.
Triumph Over Adversity and Senior Tour Dominance
Colbert faced prostate cancer diagnosis in 1996, underwent surgery, and staged a stunning comeback. He won a tournament in 1998, earning PGA Tour Comeback Player of the Year. On PGA Tour Champions from 1991 to 2012, he claimed 20 victories, earned over $11 million, and made 505 starts. These feats placed him among elite senior performers, showcasing enduring competitive drive across decades.
Jim Colbert, an eight-time PGA TOUR winner who added 20 titles on PGA TOUR Champions, died Sunday at 85.
Colbert, born in New Jersey, played golf and football in his youth and received a football scholarship to Kansas State University. An injury ended his football career and he… pic.twitter.com/vjLaPOzwgS
— PGA TOUR Champions (@ChampionsTour) May 11, 2026
Media Legacy and Hall of Fame Honors
Transitioning to broadcasting, Colbert became a popular ESPN golf analyst with his candid, straightforward style. Fans appreciated his relatable insights, bridging elite competition and everyday enthusiasts. Inductions include Kansas State Athletic Hall of Fame in 1991, Kansas Sports Hall of Fame in 1998, and Las Vegas Golf Hall of Fame in 2019. His signature bucket hat became a cultural icon in golf.
Impact on Golf Community and Lasting Legacy
PGA Tour announced Colbert’s death on May 10, 2026, confirming his 28 combined victories and contributions. Golf media outlets like Golf Magic and KIRO7 paid tribute, emphasizing his 1,091 starts and resilience. The golf world mourns a figure of longevity and inspiration. His records endure in PGA archives, inspiring current players with tales of perseverance amid personal trials. Cause of death remains undisclosed, respecting family privacy.
Sources:
KIRO7 News: Jim Colbert, 8-time PGA Tour champion known for bucket hat, dies at 85
PGA Tour: Jim Colbert dies; eight Tour wins, twenty wins on PGA TOUR Champions
Golf Magic: PGA Tour and Champions star Jim Colbert dies aged 85
Southern Sports Today: Jim Colbert, 35-time professional winner, dies at 85