Fazio was born in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was a respected player in the mid-twentieth century and competed in seven
Masters Tournaments from 1947 to 1954. His best finish was 14th in 1952. Fazio won one
PGA Tour event, the 1946
Canadian Open. He also won the 1947
Bing Crosby Pro-Am (in a tie with
Ed Furgol). He had career earnings of more than $50,000. He nearly won the 1950
U.S. Open at
Merion Golf Club outside Philadelphia, finishing third to
Ben Hogan and
Lloyd Mangrum in an 18-hole playoff. This event was recently memorialized as one of the 15 most memorable Philadelphia sports moments. Like most golfers of his generation, Fazio earned his living primarily as a club pro during his regular career years. During the 1940s, he was head pro at Hillcrest Country Club in
Los Angeles, where many of Hollywood's celebrities played. After his playing days were over, Fazio went on to become a well-known golf course architect along with his nephews
Tom Fazio, Jim Fazio, and course designer Lou Cappelli. The foursome built many notable courses, and they are particularly noted for the shapes built into their traps - such as clover-leaves and butterflies. == Personal life ==