Jackson Golf Icon Mike Hill, Who Dominated the Senior Tour, Passes Away at 86… Read More…
Jackson, Michigan — The golf world is mourning the loss of one of its most revered and accomplished figures as Mike Hill, the legendary golfer from Jackson, Michigan, passed away peacefully at the age of 86. Known for his humble beginnings, fierce competitiveness, and unmatched dominance on the Senior PGA Tour, Hill leaves behind a legacy that has etched his name permanently into the fabric of American golf history.
Born on January 27, 1939, in Jackson, Hill grew up on the rolling greens and fairways of Michigan, where his passion for the game blossomed. After a standout college career at Arizona State University, Hill turned professional in 1967, joining the PGA Tour. While he had a solid career with three victories on the main tour, it was his transformation into a dominant force on the Senior PGA Tour—now known as the PGA Tour Champions—that truly set him apart.
Mike Hill’s Senior Tour career began in 1989 and took the golf world by storm. He quickly became a household name among golf fans for his consistency, accuracy, and unshakable demeanor under pressure. Over the course of his Senior Tour career, Hill secured 18 tournament victories, including notable wins at the 1991 Kroger Senior Classic and the 1992 Bank One Classic. He also captured the Charles Schwab Cup, a season-long points race that honors the top senior golfer of the year, further cementing his dominance.
In 1991, he was named the Senior Tour Player of the Year, a testament to his grit and ability to outplay some of the biggest names in golf history well into his 50s and 60s. He also teamed up with fellow legend Lee Trevino to win multiple Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf events in the team format, showcasing his ability not only as an individual champion but also as a reliable partner.
Hill was admired not just for his results, but for how he carried himself on and off the course. Fellow players and fans alike often praised his quiet confidence and gentlemanly approach. Known for his sportsmanship, humility, and the ever-present twinkle in his eye, Hill became a role model for younger golfers and a beloved ambassador for the sport.
“Mike was more than just a champion golfer,” said PGA Tour Champions President Miller Brady. “He was a true gentleman of the game. His contributions to golf extended far beyond his victories. He inspired generations of players through his discipline, professionalism, and class.”
Back in Jackson, where it all began, tributes poured in as local golfers and fans paid homage to their hometown hero. The Cascades Golf Course, where Hill spent countless hours in his youth, plans to dedicate a memorial bench and plaque in his honor, ensuring future generations will remember the man who brought national attention to their community.
“Mike never forgot where he came from,” said longtime friend and Jackson golf historian Roger Whitaker. “Even at the height of his fame, he was just Mike—always willing to stop for a handshake or a story with local fans. He made us proud every time he stepped on a course.”
Hill’s success was matched only by his devotion to his family. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Linda, their three children, and numerous grandchildren. In interviews, he often credited Linda as the “rock” behind his golfing success, and the two were known to travel together during the tour season, forming a familiar and heartwarming sight on the Senior Tour circuit.
In a 2003 interview, Hill reflected on his journey: “I never thought I’d make it this far in golf, but I just kept working hard. Every time I stepped on the course, I wanted to make Jackson proud. That was always my goal.”
That goal, by all accounts, was more than achieved.
Mike Hill’s legacy will live on not just in the trophies he raised or the records he set, but in the countless lives he touched with his kindness, dedication, and love for the game. He showed the world that greatness could be achieved with humility, that age was never a barrier to success, and that it’s possible to stay true to your roots while standing tall on the global stage.
A celebration of Hill’s life is being planned by the family and will be held in Jackson later this month. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the First Tee program of Michigan, an organization dedicated to teaching life skills and values through golf—a cause that Hill championed passionately throughout his retirement.
As the final putt drops on the life of one of golf’s true legends, the echo of Mike Hill’s swing and spirit will continue to resonate—on every course where dreams take flight, and every heart inspired by a man who played the game the right way.
Rest in peace, Mike Hill. The fairways of heaven just gained one of the very best.
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