[droogy33]

Originally Posted by JPsuff

About a decade or so before Jack turned pro, many tournaments only paid money to those who finished in the top twenty or top fifty. The rest were given a handshake and that was about it. In those days, you either played well, or you starved.

One thing which must be kept in mind is this: During the 30s, 40s and 50s, there was not a proper TOUR. At least not in the way we know it today.

Back in those days, there were about 15 guys (same as today) who were demonstrably superior golfers, and they made the lion's share of the loot which was thrown around.

The 50 to 60 other guys which made up those times' smaller fields were largely local and/or regional pros who didn't travel very much. They would take their 55th place finish, with little or no earnings, and just go back to their regular jobs.

No one was starving back then. If you were a Byron Nelson, you were good enough to retire at the age of 34. If you were Joe Average, you supported your wife and kids by working in the factory.