This article originally appeared in the November issue of NCGA Golf Magazine
Salinas may be known as the Salad Bowl of the World, but it’s also produced some golf legends.
Pat Cornett, an NCGA Hall of Famer, grew up in Salinas, as did legendary Cypress Point head professional, the late Mr. Jim Langley.
There too is Mike Brannan.
Brannan, who sadly died in 2013 at the age of 57 due to cancer, had an incredible amateur career that began with a win at the 1971 U.S. Junior Amateur at the age of 15 years, 8 months.
At the time, Brannan was the youngest winner of the event. His record would stand until a guy named Tiger Woods won 20 years later at the age of 15 years, 6 months.
In 1973, Brannan had a summer to remember, capturing the first of his two California State Amateur titles and the Pacific Coast Amateur at Desert Forest in suburban Phoenix.
He went on to play for BYU, where he was a four-time All-American. In 1975, he won the Utah Open while at BYU.
From 1973 through 1976, Brannan won three NCGA Player of the Year titles—all coming before the age of 22. It would be another 20 years before another player won back-to-back POY crowns.
In 1977, Brannan advanced to the quarterfinals of the U.S. Amateur, losing to eventual runner-up Doug Fischesser at Aronimink Golf Club in suburban Philadelphia, and helped the USA Walker Cup Team to a 16-8 win over Great Britain and Ireland at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club. He had a 1-2 record in the Match, teaming with Jay Sigel to win a Saturday foursomes match.
In 1977, Brannan advanced to the quarterfinals of the U.S. Amateur, losing to eventual runner-up Doug Fischesser at Aronimink Golf Club in suburban Philadelphia, and helped the USA Walker Cup Team to a 16-8 win over Great Britain and Ireland at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club. He had a 1-2 record in the Match, teaming with Jay Sigel to win a Saturday foursomes match.
“His fluid swing was a thing of beauty,” Ping chairman and CEO John Solheim once told Golfweek, adding that he had probably played more golf with Brannan than anyone. “I was always so impressed by what he achieved at the amateur level. He was a quiet competitor who usually came out on top.”
In 2012, just a year prior to his passing, Brannan captured the NCGA Senior Championship at Spyglass Hill in Pebble Beach. Solheim said that Brannan never mentioned his illness at that event.
“He was always humble about his achievements,” said Solheim. “Mike leaves a tremendous golf legacy, but he will be remembered for his generous, gentle ways.”
Brannan played professionally on the PGA Tour for five years (1979-83), finishing runner-up at the 1979 Houston Open. In the late 1980s, Brannan became a reinstated amateur and a full-time equipment representative for Ping. He qualified for the 1989 U.S. Amateur at Merion Golf Club, where he eliminated two Walker Cup players on the same day – qualifying medalist Eoghan O’Connell of Ireland and David Eger of the USA – before losing to eventual champion Chris Patton in the semifinals. A year later at Cherry Hills Country Club, Brannan advanced to the quarterfinals, where Eger eliminated him.
Brannan also competed in three U.S. Opens, tying for 22nd in 1982 at Pebble Beach Golf Links, the same course where he won his two California Amateurs. He played in the 1978 Masters as an amateur, receiving his invitation by being a member of the 1977 Walker Cup Team.
“His fluid swing was a thing of beauty,” Ping chairman and CEO John Solheim told Golfweek, adding that he has probably played more golf with Brannan than anyone. “I was always so impressed by what he achieved at the amateur level. He was a quiet competitor who usually came out on top.”
Last spring while battling his illness, Brannan captured the Northern California Golf Association’s Senior Championship at Spyglass Hill in Pebble Beach. Solheim said that Brannan never mentioned his illness at that event.
“He was always humble about his achievements,” said Solheim. “Mike leaves a tremendous golf legacy, but he will be remembered for his generous, gentle ways.”
Brannan leaves his wife, Shelley, and two sons, Kyle and Chase.