Induction: Graduation: Sport:

2012 1949 Golf

Jim Ferree, played golf at the University of North Carolina and went on to play on the PGA and Senior PGA Tours.

The Pinebluff, N.C., native played for the Tar Heels from 1951-53, winning the Southern Conference championship in 1953. He was a member of the PGA Tour from 1956-66, finished 17th in the 1957 U.S. Open and won the 1958 Vancouver Centennial.  As a senior, he won the 1986 Greater Grand Rapids Open and 1991 Bell Atlantic Classic.

His swing inspired the design on the logo for the Senior PGA Tour.

“Jim Ferree was an amazing person, golfer, teacher and Tar Heel,” says UNC head men’s golf coach Andrew DiBitetto. “He was incredibly kind, sharp, witty and charismatic, and brought so much joy and laughter to others. He was special”

Ferree began playing golf at a young age, coached by his father, also a professional golfer. He honed his skill on his high school team and at the University of North Carolina, as well as playing in intramural competitions while he served in the U.S. Army in the 1950s. Ferree turned pro after his military service, with a notable PGA Tour win coming at the 1958 Vancouver Open. Ferree later made a mark when he joined the Senior PGA Tour (later renamed PGA Tour Champions) in its 1981 inaugural season. Wearing his trademark knickers and flat cap, he served as the model for the tour’s first logo. Ferree’s wins on the Senior PGA Tour included the 1986 Greater Grand Rapids Open and the 1991 Bell Atlantic Classic. He also served at head pro at clubs including the Savannah Inn and Country Club and the Westmoreland Country Club.