Orville Moody, the 1969 U.S. Open champion, passed away Friday at the age of 74. Most people below a certain age have never even heard of Moody, which is a shame, because he was a testament to the possibilities that golf offers its most dedicated players.

Moody was raised in a golf environment, winning the 1952 Oklahoma state high school championship. After a flirtation with college, he decided to join the Army, but couldn't quite put the clubs away; he was an All-Service champion and notched three Korean Open wins. (How that never made it into a M*A*S*H episode, I can't imagine.)

After 14 years in the service, he returned to the game of golf, and immediately got dubbed "Sarge," a nickname he'd carry with him the rest of his days. He was the last Open winner to have come through both local and regional qualifying rounds, an accomplishment beyond grueling.

The Open would be his professional highlight, though he did have some success on the Senior Tour, winning the Senior Open and many other events. His putting style was a bit odd; he putted crosshanded as a young man and eventually switched to an upright club in his later years.

Moody will be missed, and here's hoping the PGA takes a moment to honor him this weekend or in the very near future.