Pandel Savic, the first player to quarterback Ohio State to a win in the Rose Bowl, died Tuesday morning in Columbus.
The Memorial Tournament, where he was general chairman emeritus, announced his passing at the age of 92.
Remembering Pandel Savic today. Longtime chairman of #theMemorial and one of the founding members at Muirfield Village Golf Club. You will be dearly missed Pandel! https://t.co/ZxhEXyYnQR pic.twitter.com/dB5PH6Qyu9
— #theMemorial (@MemorialGolf) June 12, 2018
A native of Macedonia, Savic traveled to the United States as a young boy and went on to lead one of the most all-American of lives.
After joining the Marines and fighting in the Pacific Theater in World War II, Savic enrolled at Ohio State.
He was a three-year letterman and threw for 581 yards and six touchdowns in 1949 when the Buckeyes went 7-1-2 and beat California 17-14 in the Rose Bowl after tying Michigan 7-7.
My grandfather, Pandel Savic, passed away this morning. An incredible and inspiring man who taught me so much. Here he is at quarterback for @OhioStateFB taking it to some team up north. https://t.co/uj3etm02i1 pic.twitter.com/tfeySbGmkK
— Hartley (@HartleyLewis) June 12, 2018
A neighbor and friend of legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus, Savic helped found The Memorial Tournament and Muirfield Golf Club.
“Pandel Savic was as good a friend as I have ever had,” Nicklaus said in a statement. “I have known Pandel since I was 6 years old, and until his passing this week, he had been a great friend, great supporter, and great family man.”
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