Jim Colbert, well-known for his distinctive bucket hat and impressive achievements on the golf course, has died at the age of 85.
His passing on Sunday was confirmed by the PGA Tour, although the specific cause has not been revealed.
Colbert’s signature bucket hat became a part of his identity, initially worn for sun protection after he nearly experienced heatstroke during a youth tournament in Kansas. This unique style became his trademark throughout his career.
A native of New Jersey, he initially pursued football at Kansas State before a severe injury led him to golf, where he quickly made a name for himself by finishing as runner-up in the 1964 NCAA Championship.
Colbert joined the PGA Tour in 1966 and earned his first victory at the 1969 Monsanto Invitational Open, ultimately winning eight times during his tenure on the tour.
He also had notable performances in major tournaments, achieving two top-five finishes in 1974, including a tie for fourth at the Masters.
His most successful year was 1983, when he secured two wins and placed 15th on the money list.
Transitioning to the senior circuit after turning 50, Colbert excelled with 20 additional victories on the PGA Tour Champions.
Diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1996, he underwent surgery but made a remarkable comeback, winning The Transamerica just two years later.
Outside of competitive play, Colbert was a successful entrepreneur in the golf industry. He started his journey in golf course ownership in Las Vegas in 1980 and eventually grew his company to operate 23 courses, creating around 700 jobs and generating approximately $50 million in revenue.
He spent much of his retirement in Las Vegas but remained closely connected to Kansas State, helping design the Colbert Hills Golf Club, which opened in 2000.
Colbert’s legacy was formally recognized with inductions into the Kansas State Athletic Hall of Fame in 1991, the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame in 1998, and the Las Vegas Golf Hall of Fame in 2019.
