Mike Brannan

Early life and amateur career

Brannan was born in Salinas, California. He won the U.S. Junior Amateur in 1971, beating Robert Steele in the final, 4 and 3, to become the tournament's youngest champion, at 15 years, 8 months. His record stood for 20 years until broken by Tiger Woods in 1991 (15 years, 6 months). He also played on the winning 1977 Walker Cup team. He played college golf at Brigham Young University, where he was a four-time All-American, graduating in 1978.

Professional career

In 1978, Brannan turned professional. He played on the PGA Tour from 1979 to 1983. His best finish on tour was second place at the 1979 Houston Open, two strokes behind Wayne Levi. He won the 1979 Hassan II Golf Trophy, which would later become a European Tour event.

Brannan quit the tour after the 1983 season and became an equipment rep for Ping, a position he held until his death in 2013.

Reinstated amateur status

In the late 1980s, Brannan was reinstated as an amateur golfer. He won the Northern California Senior Championship in 2012.

Awards and honors

In 1989, Brannan was inducted into the BYU Hall of Fame

Amateur wins

• 1970 Junior World Golf Championships (Boys 13–14)
• 1971 U.S. Junior Amateur
• 1973 California State Amateur, Pacific Coast Amateur, NCGA Junior, NGGA Four-Ball (with Jim Latham)
• 1976 California State Amateur, NCGA Amateur Match Play
• 2012 NCGA Senior Championship

Professional wins

• 1973 California State Open (as an amateur)
• 1975 Utah Open
• 1979 Hassan II Golf Trophy
• 1981 Northern California Open

U.S. national team appearances

• Walker Cup: 1977 (winners)

References

References

1. Sorensen, Mike. (January 10, 2013). "Former BYU golfer Mike Brannan dies". [[Deseret News]].
2. Kroichick, Ron. (January 12, 2013). "Amateur golf standout Mike Brannan dies at 57". [[San Francisco Chronicle]].
3. "Michael Brannan – Death Notice". [[San Francisco Chronicle]].
4. Shefter, David. (January 10, 2013). "1971 U.S. Junior Amateur Champion Brannan Dies". USGA.
5. Achenbach, James. (January 10, 2013). "Brannan, Ping rep and former U.S. Junior champ, dies at 57". Golf Week.
6. "Michael Alan Brannan". BYU Cougars.
7. "1970 Champions". Junior World Golf Championships.
8. (January 10, 2013). "Michael Brannan 1955–2013: Prominent Northern California golfer passes away at 57". Northern California Golf Association.