George Francis Burns III (born July 29, 1949) is an American professional golfer. Turning pro in 1975, Burns had four PGA Tour wins, 80 top-10 finishes and won several other tournaments at both the amateur and professional levels.
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Early life
Burns was born in Brooklyn, New York. He was the eldest child of George Burns Jr, President of Smith Corona Typewriters and Durkee Foods, and Kathleen Marie Scott.
Amateur career
Burns attended the University of Tennessee before transferring his freshman year to the University of Maryland where he played defensive end for one season before quitting football to focus solely on golf.
Professional career
In 1975, Burns turned pro. He won four PGA Tour events during that phase of his career. His first win came with Ben Crenshaw at the 1979 Walt Disney World National Team Championship in Orlando. The biggest win of his career came a year later at the Bing Crosby National Pro-Am. Burns had more than 70 top-10 finishes on the PGA Tour. His best finish in a major was at the 1981 U.S. Open where Burns held a three-shot lead going into the final round before finishing T2. Burns also had a T-5 at the 1977 British Open.
After reaching the age of 50 in 1999, Burns began play on the Senior PGA Tour. His best finish at that level is a T-9 at the 2000 Brickyard Classic.
Personal life
Burns lives in Boynton Beach, Florida.
Amateur wins
1972 Metropolitan Amateur, Monroe Invitational, Long Island Amateur
1973 Canadian Amateur Championship
1974 Azalea Invitational, Porter Cup, North and South Amateur, New York State Amateur
Professional wins (9)
PGA Tour wins (4)
PGA Tour playoff record (0–2)
European Tour wins (2)
European Tour playoff record (2–0)
Other wins (3)
1982 New York State Open, Panama Open
1988 Chrysler Team Championship (with Wayne Levi)
Results in major championships
LA = Low amateur
CUT = missed the half-way cut (3rd round cut in 1978 Open Championship)
"T" indicates a tie for a place
Summary
Most consecutive cuts made – 5 (1981 U.S. Open – 1982 PGA)
Longest streak of top-10s – 2 (1975 Open Championship – 1976 Open Championship)
U.S. national team appearances
Amateur
Eisenhower Trophy: 1974 (winners)
Walker Cup: 1975 (winners)